what are symptoms of severe constipation?

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, you may have chronic constipation if you've experienced some combination of the following symptoms for 3 months or more in the last year:

Fewer than 3 bowel movements a week

Difficulty passing stools

Straining

Hard or lumpy stools

Abdominal discomfort and bloating

Feeling like your bowel is never completely empty

Feeling like there is something blocking your bowel

Manual maneuvering to stimulate the bowel

Some causes of constipation include:

Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum

Changes in your usual diet or activities

Colon cancer

Eating a lot of dairy products.

Eating disorders

Irritable bowel syndrome

Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis

Not being active

Not enough water or fiber in your diet

Overuse of laxatives (Over time, this weakens the bowel muscles)

Pregnancy

Problems with the nerves and muscles in the digestive system

Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement, which some people do because of hemorrhoids

Some medications (especially strong pain drugs such as narcotics, antidepressants, or iron pills)

Stress

Under active thyroid (hypothyroidism)

Find out more about constipation, how do Doctors diagnose it, what should you do, and how can it be prevented all at WebMD.

You don't have to suffer from constipation. Find relief with these tips and simple remedies from WebMD.

Tags: chronicsymptoms 

Friday, March 18 2016