Everything You Need to Know About Chronic Constipation: A Hidden Threat to Your Digestive Health

Chronic constipation is more than just an occasional inconvenience. It’s a persistent digestive condition that affects millions of people and can significantly impact daily life. Unlike the occasional bout of sluggish digestion, chronic constipation involves infrequent, difficult-to-pass stools for three months or longer.

Symptoms include abdominal discomfort, bloating, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement. In some cases, it can lead to hemorrhoids or anal fissures from straining.

Causes vary but can include a poor diet, lack of physical activity, dehydration, certain medications, and even underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The good news is chronic constipation can often be managed through lifestyle changes like increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly. In more severe cases, medications or other treatments may be necessary.

Ignoring chronic constipation can lead to long-term digestive problems, so it’s essential to seek medical advice if symptoms persist.