Constipation occurs when the colon absorbs too much water from the digested residue or if the colon's muscle contractions are slow and sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly. As a result, stools can become hard and dry.
Changes in life style 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)
Neurological disorders
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson's disease
Chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo obstruction
Stroke
Spinal cord injuries
Metabolic and endocrine conditions
Diabetes
Uremia
Hypocalcaemia
Poor glycemic control
Hypothyroidism
Problems with the colon and rectum
Intestinal obstruction, scar tissue-also called as adhesions diverticulosis, tumors, colorectal stricture, or cancer can compress, squeeze, or narrow the intestine and rectum and cause constipation (Figure).
Problems with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation)
Participants