Chronic, long-term or recurring, constipation is more challenging to treat than common simple constipation.
People who are constipated may experience any one or more of the following:
- reduced stool frequency,
- hard stools,
- difficulty passing stools,
- straining,
- painful bowel movements, or
- feeling of incomplete emptying after defecation.
Most of us experience constipation from time to time. Illness, inactivity, travel, medications, and other circumstances may lead to some irregularity in our bowel movements. This can be seen as: infrequent or hard stools often accompanied by straining, sensations of incomplete evacuation, and abdominal discomfort or even pain. For most people, these symptoms are short lived and do not have a major impact on life. For some, abrupt onset of constipation may be the first sign of a bowel disease such as obstruction (e.g., tumor, adhesion) or inflammation (e.g., diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease).
But, constipation that is long-term (chronic) or that keeps coming back requires more effort to diagnose and treat.
If you have been dealing with chronic constipation, it’s time to talk with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment options.
Learn more about how to talk to your doctor
Watch Dr. Kimberly Harer discuss the Symptoms, Evaluation, Causes and Treatment of Constipation
