
Constipation
1
Constipation refers to both the infrequent passing of bowel motions and the passing of stools that are hard or dry. In many cases it is due to inadequate fibre intake.
Constipation is commonly caused by inadequate amounts of fibre in the diet, but other contributing factors may include:
Some people put off going to the toilet for fear of pain that occurs when they have a bowel motion. Amongst other causes, this may be due to an anal fissure (tear).
Other reasons for constipation may include irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, colorectal cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and bowel obstruction or constriction (for example due to haemorrhoids or a hernia).