Symptoms and Complications
Symptoms of constipation can include:
- a sensation that the bowels haven't completely emptied
- bloating of the abdomen, and possibly a "rumbling" noise
- gas
- indigestion
- infrequent bowel movements
- hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass
- loss of appetite
- pain or pressure in the belly
- some bleeding as a result of straining
Constipation can cause complications. Very large, hard stools can stretch the anus, tearing the skin. These anal fissures can be very painful. Occasionally, a really tough bowel movement causes rectal prolapse, in which a small section of intestinal lining pokes out of the anus and has to be pushed back in.
Chronic constipation increases the risk of diverticulitis. This is when small pockets called diverticula are formed by the chronic increased pressure inside the bowel wall muscle and eventually get blocked and infected. Hemorrhoids can also be caused by the chronic pushing of constipation.