What is CONSTIPATION?
- Constipation is the difficult passage of small amounts of hard, dry stools, usually fewer than three times a week.
- Constipation occurs with the excessive dehydration of the stool, primarily because of slow movement through the colon for various reasons.
- A common misconception is that healthy people have one bowel movement per day.  The truth is, most people pass stools anywhere from three times per day to three times per week.  If stools are soft and pass easily three or more times per week, then one is usually not constipated.

Common causes of CONSTIPATION
- Constipation can be caused by lack of exercise, inadequate fluid intake, poor diet and a diet lacking in fiber.
- Certain medications may cause constipation (narcotic pain medications, iron, diuretics and certain types of antacids, antispasmodics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants).
- Abuse of laxatives may cause constipation.
- Certain medical conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, lupus, diabetes and thyroid disorders may also contribute to constipation.
- Problems with the rectum and colon including colon cancer with obstruction, anal fissures and hemorrhoids.
- Changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, traveling and old age may all contribute to constipation. 

Common symptoms of CONSTIPATION include:
- Painful and/or difficult bowel movements or passing small quantities of hard, dry stools.
- Lower abdominal pain and bloating.

Prevention and treatment of CONSTIPATION
- Regular exercise, adequate fluid intake and a fiber-rich diet are all very important in the prevention of constipation.
- Varying types of laxatives on a short term basis may help relieve mild episodes of constipation. (Specific products may be recommended by a physician or pharmacist.)

Different types of laxatives include:
Stimulant laxatives         Bulk-forming laxatives
Saline laxatives              Stool softeners
Lubricating laxatives

- Enemas are useful to treat relapses in patients on long-term therapy.  Enemas are cheap and fast acting but are most useful when used to clear an impaction.
- Patients prescribed certain medications known to cause constipation should be notified of the potential problem and counseled on the possible need for laxative use.

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This information is of a general nature and may not apply to your special circumstances. If you have specific questions, please contact your physician or an appropriate health care professional.  These monographs are counseling aids for healthcare professionals only and are not to be used as a reference to diagnose or treat medical conditions.          Copyright 2005 RXinsider LTD