Q. What is Constipation?

Constipation is irregular, infrequent or difficult passage of faeces. It is the most common physiological disorder of the alimentary tract. It is characterized by incomplete evacuation of hard, dried stools. It occurs commonly in children, adolescents, adults on low fibre diets, patients confined to bed, in invalids and in elderly persons. It is a condition in which:

• fewer than 3 stools per week are passed while a person is eating a high residue diet,

• more than 3 days go by without the passage of a stool, and.

Stools passed in one day amounting to less than 35 grams.