Constipation
Constipation is a condition of the digestive system where a person (or other animal) experiences difficulty in eliminating feces.
Some of the main causes of constipation include:
- Constriction, where part of the intestine or rectum is narrowed or blocked, not allowing feces to move past
- Paralysis, where peristaltic action is diminished or absent, so that feces are not moved along
- Excessive drying of feces, due to dehydration, forming a hard bulk that cannot be eliminated
- Insufficient intake of food or dietary fiber, so that a suitable bolus is not formed
- Psychosomatic constipation, based on anxiety or unfamiliarity with surroundings. Two forms: functional constipation, and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, characterized by a combination of constipation and abdominal discomfort and/or pain.
These causes may have a multiplicity of causes themselves.
People often take laxatives to try to eliminate constipation. Earlier remedies included enemas.
Constipation in art
Screaming Jay Hawkins wrote and sang "Bonzo Dog Band recorded "The Strain" on the same subject.
