Constipation & Bowel Movements
Symptoms & Signs:
Nearly everyone becomes constipated at one time or another. Usually, it is not serious. To avoid most constipation problems, it helps to know what causes it, how to prevent it, and how to treat it.

Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. You may be constipated if you are having fewer bowel movements than usual, with a long or hard passing of stools. Older people are more likely than younger people to become constipated.

Experts agree that older people often worry too much about having a bowel movement every day. There is no right number of daily or weekly bowel movements. Being regular is different for each person. For some people, it can mean bowel movements twice a day. For others, movements just twice a week are normal.

Questions to Ask

Some doctors suggest asking these questions to decide if you are constipated:

¨ Do you often have fewer than three bowel movements each week?

¨ Do you often have a hard time passing stools?

¨ Is there pain?

¨ Are there other problems such as bleeding?

Did you answer “yes” to more than one of these questions? If so, you may have a constipation problem. Otherwise, you probably do not.
Content Courtesy : www.niapublications.org
Note : Information herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any course of supplementation or treatment.