Constipation

Definition

A condition in which a person infrequently passes hard faeces (stools). Patients sometimes complain of straining, a feeling of incomplete evacuation of faeces, and abdominal or perianal discomfort. A healthy individual usually opens his or her bowels once daily, but the frequency may vary, perhaps twice daily or once only every two or three days. Constipation is generally defined as fewer than three bowel openings a week.

Source: Black's Medical Dictionary (42nd ed, 2010, ISBN 978-1-4081-0419-4)