Ailments and Situations - Constipation

 
Description

Constipation is an often misunderstood condition, as it can manifest in different forms. Few people also discuss it openly. It is important to know exactly what type of trouble you are dealing with, though, in order to properly treat your disorder. The following are all considered types of constipation:

• If you have extreme urges to move your bowels, but are unable to. This is what we traditionally refer to as constipation.
• The inability to easily pass a stool.
• If you do not move your bowels regularly. Although "regularity" means something different to each individual, the colon is a holding area for waste that should be emptied every 18 to 24 hours. Harmful toxins can form after this period and can lead to serious health complications.
• If your stools are hardened or malformed.
• If you require the help of a stimulant such as a laxative or coffee to move your bowels.

 

Symptoms and Signs:

The obvious symptoms of constipation relate to experiencing any of the conditions listed above. The signs of constipation can be more subtle, however, and include: a sense of fullness or squeezing in your abdomen, distention, general discomfort, immune deficiencies, headaches, dry mouth, halitosis, physical weakness, dizziness, high or low appetite, cravings, malabsorption, and allergies. Mood swings, depression, malnutrition, premenstrual syndrome, and low self esteem are related to constipation as well.

 

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