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Constipation
Pronunciation
Definition 1
A condition in which stool becomes hard, dry, and difficult to pass, and bowel movements don’t happen very often. Other symptoms may include painful bowel movements, and feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish. (NCI Dictionary)
Definition 2
Irregular and infrequent or difficult evacuation of the bowels. (NCI Thesaurus)
Definition 3
A disorder characterized by irregular and infrequent or difficult evacuation of the bowels. (NCI Thesaurus/CTCAE)
More information
Constipation means that a person has three or fewer bowel movements in a week. The stool can be hard and dry. Sometimes it is painful to pass. At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. In most cases, it lasts a short time and is not serious.
There are many things you can do to prevent constipation. They include
• Eating more fruits, vegetables and grains, which are high in fiber
• Drinking plenty of water and other liquids
• Getting enough exercise
• Taking time to have a bowel movement when you need to
• Using laxatives only if your doctor says you should
• Asking your doctor if medicines you take may cause constipation
It's not important that you have a bowel movement every day. If your bowel habits change, however, check with your doctor. (NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
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