People mean many things when they say they have constipation. The infrequent passing of stools, difficulties in voiding, sense of incomplete voiding are all suggestive of constipation. The normal reference range for bowel movements is very varied. Some people have bowel movements three times a day; others, only one or two times a week.

Medically, constipation is defined as fewer than three bowel movements in a week. Constipation may be considered severe when there is less than one bowel movement in a week.

Symptoms:

Infrequent stools with no other complaints are rarely abnormal. Women are more affected than men. The elderly and children are however most prone to constipation.

• Hard, difficult to pass stools which require straining or manual removal with fingers - felt more than 25% of times.
• Stools infrequent, less than three times a week.
• The sensation of incomplete voidance.

Other symptoms that a person with constipation may feel are:

• The abdomen may seem bloated, distended or crampy.
• The bowel sounds may seem enhanced.