Constipation refers to a change in bowel habits. Stools may be too hard or too small, difficult to pass or infrequent (less than twice a week). People who are constipated may also find the need to strain and have a sense that the bowels are not empty. It is a very common problem and can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which include: inadequate water intake, stress, inadequate fiber in the diet, eating large amounts of dairy products, depression and medicines. It can also be caused by medical conditions like hypothyroidism, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. 
 

Some common symptoms of constipation include (in addition to straining): abdominal pain, bloating, gas, as well as nausea and vomiting. One should seek medical help when constipation lasts longer than three weeks, and/or is accompanied by nausea, vomiting or fever. 
 

In addition to changing some behaviors, the treatment of constipation includes eating foods high in fiber. Increasing fiber in your diet may also reduce or eliminate constipation. The recommended amount of dietary fiber is 20g to 30g of fiber per day. One should be careful, however, not to consume large amounts of fiber which can cause abdominal bloating or gas. One should also increase his/her fluid intake to 2-4 glasses of water a day. Fruits and vegetables can be particularly helpful in preventing and treating constipation. If behavior changes and increasing fiber do not relieve your constipation, you may try a laxative, which comes in different forms. Laxatives are available as pills that you can take by mouth or as suppositories or enemas that you insert into the rectum. In general, suppositories and enemas work more quickly compared to pills. You can try these treatments at home. However, if you do not have a bowel movement within a few days, you should call your healthcare provider for further assistance.
 

Some treatments to avoid include mineral oil, stool softeners (which are not usually recommended for people with chronic constipation because they are less effective than laxatives), and natural products (the dose and purity of which may not be carefully controlled).