What is Constipation?
Constipation is a very common condition affecting many people. It tends to affect more women than men. It appears to be especially common in women just before their period or during pregnancy. It is normally not very serious although occasionally, complications can occur if the condition is not treated.
What Causes Constipation?
Constipation can be caused by a number of different factors. A number of which are described below.
The main cause is believed to be a lack of fluids in the diet. The stools then become hard and small which the body struggles to expel. A lack of fibre also has the same effect. What then happens, is that the stools which the body cant expel are retained where they dry out even further and then work their way back up into the colon where they can cause a blockage.
Some drugs e.g. painkillers and some types of cough medicines may cause constipation. By taking medical laxatives which my relieve the symptoms in the short term may actually increase the problem as the body becomes resistant to them over time.
There are a number of other causes which include
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