CONSTIPATION DEFINITION

Medically reviewed by: Horia Marculescu, MD
Photo credits: Licenses / Author
Last updated: 27.07.2021

doctors presenting papers to define constipation

Constipation is defined as the delayed evacuation of the matter (stool) contained in the large intestine for more than 48 hours, joined by a coprological syndrome characterized by low quantity and high consistency of fecal matter and complete digestion.

Diskynesia or rectal constipation is the term that is used in a situation when the large intestine transit is normal, but there is a delayed evacuation of the fecal matters in the rect.

Other Factors for Constipation Definition

Constipation can also have daily stool evacuations or even more than one evacuation per day, and in this case, the evacuations are fractioned or insufficient. The daily quantity of the intestinal matter is reduced, the consistency is increased and fragmented, dark colored.

The symptoms and the signs manifested include: abdominal plenitude sensations sometimes on the colons topography, nauseousness, food vomit, diminishing appetite, eructation, heartburns, flatulence. Read more about [constipation symptoms].

Constipation is a Syndrome, not a disease

More than 90% of people have suffered constipation phases due to eating bad food combinations and neglecting a healthy diet. Most of constipation phases are temporary and don`t raise any serious problems.

Acute constipation or sub-acute constipation in elderly people, require additional investigations in order to determine if there is an occluded colonic lesion. Learn more about [elderly constipation].

Infant constipation or children`s constipation can be defined by rough stools that determine discomfort and it`s usually caused by the lack of dietary fiber and staying in very warm environments for long periods of time (due to the obsessive concern of parents that children should not stay in colder places). Chronic constipation contributes to urinary infections and to bedwetting (urinary incontinence). Read more about infant constipation.

Light constipation can be treated by slowly introducing fiber into our diet and having an efficient hydration. Changing our lifestyle and getting rid of toxic habits are very important. By sitting on the toilet or something similar for 5-10 minutes after a meal, helps relax the digestive tract and can help to create a clearing (dejection) routine which our body can get used to.

If constipation does not disappear or has little progress in a normal dietary treatment, then we could turn to the help of medication that increases the colonic peristalsis and softens the stool. Enema is an alternative for severe constipation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

My name is Sebastian D., and I am the senior editor of constipationguide.com. With the help of my mentor, Dr. Horia Marculescu, I decided to create a practical guide to constipation relief.. read more