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Constipation

Constipation is one of the most common medical complaints in Australia. People say they are constipated when they can't empty their bowels as often or as easily as they would like to.

ANY CHANGE
in bowel habit should be discussed with your doctor. Further investigation may be required.

There is no rule about how frequently you need to go to the toilet. However, if there has been a change or if you are uncomfortable and find that you need to strain, you should talk to your general practitioner. Many healthy children have problems with constipation, particularly around the time of toilet training.

Some children hold on to their motion, which can then become hard and dry and difficult to pass. Very occasionally the motion becomes so large that it stretches the back passage, which results in loss of feeling so that the child can't recognise when they need to go to the toilet. This can lead to soiling on the underpants which causes lots of distress, particularly once the child starts school.

Facts About Constipation
Third Edition 2007

Contents

• What is constipation?
• Constipation in children
• What can I do about this?
• Constipation in adults
• What are the causes of constipation?
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Slow Transit Time Constipation
• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
• Bowel cancer
• Other medical conditions
• Laxatives

Facts About Constipation is now available to download or read online as an A4 size pdf file.

Constipation (Adobe Acrobat PDF 232K)