Herbal remedies to health challenges. Constipation Constipation is the slow movement of feces through the large intestine that results in the passage of dry, hard stool. Constipation can also be defined as the infrequent passage of small, dry, hard feces with discomfort or pain. The longer the transit time of stool in the large intestine, the greater the fluid absorption and the drier and harder the stool becomes. Whereas constipation is annoying and uncomfortable, fecal impaction can be life-threatening.
Impaction refers to the collection of dry, hardened feces in the rectum or colon.
The patient with fecal impaction may present with circulatory, cardiac, or respiratory symptoms rather than with gastrointestinal symptoms. If the fecal impaction is not recognized, the signs and symptoms may progress and result in death. Diarrhea Any attack of frequent watery stools is called diarrhea. Many different conditions can trigger it. Acute diarrhea is often caused by an infection and may require medical management.