Constipation

Constipation is a condition marked by infrequent or difficult bowel movements, often with hard, dry stools or straining. It can be temporary or chronic and has many possible causes.

Colonic transit time: The time material takes to travel through the colon. Slow transit can leave stool in the colon longer, allowing more water to be absorbed.
Dietary fiber: Plant-derived carbohydrates that resist digestion in the small intestine and affect stool and gut function. Adequate fiber can increase stool bulk and support regular bowel movements.
Large intestine: The final section of the digestive tract, where water and electrolytes are absorbed and feces are formed. Its water absorption helps determine whether stool remains soft or becomes hard.
Diarrhea: The passage of loose or watery stools, often more frequently than usual. It is the opposite common change in stool consistency and frequency.
Defecation: The coordinated process of expelling feces from the rectum through the anus. Constipation can arise when stool passage or the muscles coordinating it are impaired.
Polyethylene glycol: An osmotic laxative that retains water in the intestine and softens stool. It is commonly used to treat chronic constipation.
Rectum: The terminal section of the large intestine that stores feces before defecation. Rectal filling normally triggers the urge to pass stool.
Irritable bowel syndrome: A disorder involving recurrent abdominal pain associated with changes in bowel habits. Its constipation-predominant subtype includes constipation alongside recurrent abdominal pain.
Anorectal manometry: A test that measures pressure and muscle coordination in the rectum and anus. It can identify coordination problems that make evacuation difficult.
Bisacodyl: A stimulant laxative that increases intestinal movement and promotes bowel evacuation. It can provide short-term relief when stool passage is difficult.

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