Constipation
Background
Constipation refers to difficulty in passing stools. It can be caused by inadequate fiber or fluid intake, inadequate physical activities, intestinal diseases or diseases such as overactive parathyroid, scleroderma (a connective tissue disease), Parkinsonism, stroke and diabetes. Medications such as antacid and overuse of laxatives can also cause constipation.
Constipation can be complicated by fecal impaction, in which the rectum becomes filled with large, dried and hardened masses of stool that cannot be passed. It may be further complicated by precipitating urine retention.
Abdomen
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