Constipation
Definition
Constipation refers to infrequent or hard stools, or difficulty passing stools. Constipation may involve pain during the passage of a bowel movement, inability to pass a bowel movement after straining or pushing for more than 10 minutes, or no bowel movements after more than 3 days.
Trauma-related causes of constipation include the following:
- immobility and lack of exercise
- medications (chemotherapy treatments, pain medications, medications for anxiety and depression, stomach antacids, diuretics, vitamin supplements such as iron and calcium, sleep medications, general anesthesia)
- bowel disorders
- diet (not including enough high-fiber foods in the diet, not drinking enough water or other fluids)
- muscle and nerve disorders
- environmental factors
Adapted from the National Library of Medicine (http://medlineplus.gov).