Constipation is a serious ailment that prevents a sufferer from passing stools, or having infrequent and sometimes painful bowel movements. Those suffering from constipation may go to the bathroom and still not get relief from having emptied their bowels. Others may only pass small stools, and in more serious cases some may pass out blood caused by the rough abrasion of the colon while passing stools.
Constipation is an embarrassing problem that can affect anyone and is seen as something to be taken lightly, despite the discomfort. While most constipation cases pass away after a few days or weeks, more serious sufferers are afflicted with the problem for months on end. In these cases, constipation can become a serious problem that could be life threatening. In extreme cases, the backed up colon could cause fatal poisons to develop. In serious cases of constipation, where the sufferer has been experiencing ongoing constipation, doctors may recommend surgery on the colon that would effectively widen the colon passage by shortening it. This procedure is painful and can have serious implications for the sufferers lifestyle and health.
Constipation is symptomatic of infrequent bowel movements. Frequent or regular bowel movements is hard to define, as some may be healthy by passing stools daily while others can still be healthy passing every other day or so. Generally the averages fall between passing stools twice a day, to passing stools every other day and in some cases once every week. It is best to contact a doctor if you are unsure of what a regular bowl movement is for yourself. It of course depends on your diet, as high fatty and denser diets are likely to require more frequent bowel movements.
