A person who is constipated is unable to or finds it difficult to defecate, finds the process painful, or can only partially empty his or her bowels.
Constipation is a common problem among older individuals.
A person is not necessarily constipated if he or she does not have a bowel movement every day. A person who visits a physician because of constipation may be advised to try some of the simple preventive or treatment remedies mentioned below. Or, if after performing an examination the doctor believes there may be a more serious problem involved, he or she may send the person for blood tests or scans before deciding on an appropriate course of action. Extra fiber can be provided with bran, psyllium or other bulking agents. And if you are thinking of trying psyllium, you should speak with your physician first because this agent can affect the absorption of iron, vitamin B-12, and various prescription medications including coumadin, digoxin, carbamazepine, and lithium.