answersLogoWhite

0

To understand constipation, it helps to know how the colon, or large intestine, works. As food moves through the colon, the colon absorbs water from the food while it forms waste products, or stool. Muscle contractions in the colon then push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool reaches the rectum it is solid, because most of the water has been absorbed.

Constipation occurs when the colon absorbs too much water or if the colon's muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly. As a result, stools can become hard and dry. Common causes of constipation are

  • not enough fiber in the diet
  • lack of physical activity (especially in the elderly)
  • medications
  • milk
  • irritable bowel syndrome
  • changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, aging, and travel
  • abuse of laxatives
  • ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
  • dehydration
  • specific diseases or conditions, such as stroke (most common)
  • problems with the colon and rectum
  • problems with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation)

See the Related Link.

User Avatar

Wiki User

7y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

ReneRene
Change my mind. I dare you.
Chat with Rene
MaxineMaxine
I respect you enough to keep it real.
Chat with Maxine
LaoLao
The path is yours to walk; I am only here to hold up a mirror.
Chat with Lao
More answers

Too much water being absorbed by the large intestine. Its most likely caused by a high level of absorbant foods such as bread and crackers. It can also be caused by IBS or irritable bowel syndrome.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
User Avatar

Constipation occurs when bowel movements (or defecation) become less frequent or more difficult. It may be harder to defecate or to completely empty the contents of the rectum. Constipation can occur due to a variety of reasons but more commonly, it occurs because of dehydration, lack of fiber in the diet, side effects from medicines, or a disruption in diet. It can also result from a side effect of drugs, particularly those that decrease intestinal motility such as anticholinergics. Also, stress can be an added factor including people who feel anxious or stressed when defecating in public.

There are many ways to avoid constipation. Preventative measures include drinking more fluids and adding a lot of fiber in the diet (things such as fruit, dark greens, and beans). Also, exercising regularly can help also.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
User Avatar

Constipation can happen for one of many reasons. The most common of which is a lack of fluid intake, or a lack of nonsoluable fiber. Other reasons can include rare genetic disorders, or an intestinal illness.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago
User Avatar

Constipation is defined as having a bowel movement fewer than 3 times a week. It is a symptom, not a disease. It has many causes, most which can be corrected or improved, such as:

not enough fiber in the diet

lack of physical activity

medications

milk

irittable bowel syndrome(ibs)

pregnancy

aging

traveling

abuse of laxatives

ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement

dehydration

specific diseases or conditions

problems with the colon or rectum

problems with intestinal function

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago
User Avatar

Your diet.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How does constipation occur?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp