Many people think they are constipated when, in fact, their bowel movements are regular. For example, some people believe they are constipated, or irregular, if they do not have a bowel movement every day. However, there is no right number of daily or weekly bowel movements. Three bowel movements a day might be normal for one person, while three a week might be normal for another. Also, some people naturally have firmer stools than others.
Specific Constipation Symptoms
Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Constipation is when a person passes small amounts of hard, dry stool, usually fewer than three times a week. People who are constipated may find it difficult and painful to have a bowel movement.
Other constipation symptoms include feeling:
* Bloated
* Uncomfortable
* Sluggish.
Complications of Constipation
Sometimes constipation can lead to complications, which have their own set of symptoms. These potential complications include:
* Hemorrhoids
* Anal fissures
* Rectal prolapse
* Fecal impaction.
Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures
Hemorrhoids can be caused by straining to have a bowel movement. Anal fissures (tears in the skin around the anus) can be caused when hard stool stretches the sphincter muscle.
Both hemorrhoids and anal fissures can lead to rectal bleeding, which appears as bright red streaks on the surface of the stool. Treatment for hemorrhoids may include warm tub baths, ice packs, and applying a special cream to the affected area. Treatment for anal fissures can include stretching the sphincter muscle or surgical removal of tissue or skin in the affected area.
Rectal Prolapse
Sometimes straining to have a bowel movement causes a small amount of intestinal lining to push out from the anal opening. This condition, known as rectal prolapse, may lead to secretion of mucus from the anus. In most cases, eliminating the cause of the prolapse, such as straining or coughing, is the only treatment necessary. Severe or chronic prolapse requires surgery to strengthen and tighten the anal sphincter muscle or to repair the prolapsed lining.
Fecal Impaction
Constipation may also cause hard stool to pack the intestine and rectum so tightly that the normal pushing action of the colon is not enough to expel the stool. This condition, called fecal impaction, occurs most often in children and older adults. An impaction can be softened with mineral oil taken by mouth and by an enema. After softening the impaction, the doctor may break up and remove part of the hardened stool by inserting one or two fingers into the anus.