Signs and symptoms of constipation include:
- Infrequent bowel movements: Having fewer than three bowel movements per week.
- Difficult or painful bowel movements: Straining to pass stool or experiencing pain or discomfort while trying to do so.
- Hard, dry stools: Stools that are difficult to pass and may be small in size.
- Bloating or abdominal discomfort: A feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen.
- Nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach.
- Loss of appetite: Reduced desire to eat.
- Fatigue or weakness: Feeling tired or weak due to dehydration or lack of nutrients.
- Rectal bleeding: passing small amounts of blood with stool
It’s important to note that constipation can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as anal fissures, hemorrhoids or rectal prolapse. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor.