Symptoms of Constipation

We all experience the embarrassment and discomfort of constipation at some point in our lives; it's one of the last things you want to be discussing with anyone. However, it is important that we don't ignore its symptoms as they can also point to other conditions that could be far more serious and require a doctor's intervention.

Constipation is a condition where the bowels fail to process waste as frequently and efficiently as they should due to hardened stool. This is caused by the colon absorbing too much water from the food you've taken in, drying out the waste.

Many factors play a part in this but it is important to remember that constipation is actually a symptom in itself and not a disease, it points out changes that need to be made for proper digestive function. Though often it can be treated by an over the counter medicine or changes in diet, if the problem doesn't resolve itself quickly you may want to consult with your doctor to see what's going on. A blockage can result in serious damage to your intestines and in extreme cases even death. Colon cancer can also cause some of the more severe symptoms.

Be aware of your body's changes and don't ignore them if they pose a problem or you are uncertain about your health. The sooner you seek treatment the more effective it is and the better the prognosis.

The Following are symptoms of constipation that you should look for:

Feelings of Full Bowel: You feel as if there is waste in the bowels which doesn't pass regularly or at all.

Abdominal Pain or Swelling: You feel aching and bloating in your abdominal region consistently. This may mean a lack of passed gas as well as slowed or ceased bowels.

Pain: Your pain makes you very uncomfortable. If this occurs be sure to see a doctor there may be a blockage or something more serious.

Less Bowel Movements Than Usual or None at All: The average human being is required to pass three bowel movements a week to maintain a regular digestive system. If you aren't having this many you may want to consider changes in diet and see a doctor for an evaluation.

Vomiting: You body may be trying to expel wastes through the mouth or an obstruction causes foods to come back up after eating.

Straining: If you have to exert extra force to pass waste and only pass small amounts when you visit the bathroom for a bowel movement more than about 25% of the time.

Paradoxical Diarrhea: This causes you pass a very thin and small amount of stool which bypasses the obstructing fecal matter stuck in your colon.

If You Experience These Symptoms See a Doctor Immediately:

If you are passing blood with your stool

If constipation is abnormal for you

In case of rapid weight loss without dietary changes

If symptoms of constipation last for more than two weeks

If there is extreme pain when you move your bowels

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