Recognizing Constipation Symptoms And Signs

Recognizing constipation symptoms and signs is very important. After all, the earlier you can recognize constipation problems, the easier they are to treat. Not only that, but some constipation symptoms can be signs of a much more serious problem. So, it's important to listen to what your body is telling you.

What Is Constipation?

For a start, you need to know what constipation actually is. There are many definitions of it, so it can be a little confusing. In general, however, most people agree that constipation is when you don't have a bowel movement at all for 3 days or when it is difficult and painful to go. Also, going back and forth between diarrhea and hard stools can sometimes be considered constipation.

Regardless of what causes constipation, there are also several symptoms of constipation that could arise. Although most of them aren't life threatening, they can be quite uncomfortable. Some examples include:

• Bloating And Cramps
• Loss Of Appetite
• Gas
• Nausea
• Weakness Or Tiredness

In fact, signs of constipation can often create a self-feeding cycle. For example, nausea can lead to vomiting. Vomiting, in turn, can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can then make it even more difficult to pass stools. So, at the first sign of such symptoms one of the best things that you can do is drink more fluids, especially water or fruit juice.

The Problem

The problem with recognizing signs and symptoms of constipation is that different people naturally have bowel movements at different times. You might go 2 or 3 times a day or only once every two or three days. So, you need to know your body and recognize any changes to your toileting routine or how you feel quickly.

Major Symptoms Of Constipation

The minor symptoms of constipation are annoying enough, but there are also some major symptoms to look out for. If you experience any of them, you really need to seek medical help fast. They can be signs of much bigger problems than a short bout of constipation. Some of those major symptoms are:

• High Fevers
• Black Stool, Bloody Stool Or Extremely Unusual Looking Stool
• Respiratory Problems
• Rapid Breathing Or Heart Rate
• Jaundice (Yellowing Of The Eyes Or Skin)

Almost everyone gets constipated sometimes. Usually, if you'll pardon the expression, it will pass. However, constipation can occasionally be a symptom of something else or it can get out of hand and create bigger problems. After all, if your body can't pass waste, that waste can lead to a build up of bacteria and other harmful materials in your body. That is definitely something that should be avoided.

So, don't let constipation symptoms get out of control. Learn to recognize them quickly and act fast to fix them. That might be as simple as drinking more water or changing your diet. If you still have trouble going to the bathroom, though, be sure to talk to your doctor.

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