Constipation is characterized by difficult or infrequent bowel movements. It has various causes like lack of fiber, dehydration, and certain medications. Symptoms include hard stools, abdominal pain, and straining during bowel movements. Nutrition management involves increasing fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as well as staying hydrated. Medical management may include over-the-counter laxatives or prescription medications if lifestyle changes are not effective in relieving constipation.

1. CONTENT
• Introduction to constipation
• Causes of constipation
• Symptoms of constipation
• Nutrition management of constipation
• Medical management of constipation
• Conclusion

2. INTRODUCTION TO CONSTIPATION
• Constipation is a common digestive condition that is
characterized by difficult or infrequent bowel movements.
• It is generally defined as having fewer than three bowel
movements per week, but the normal frequency of bowel
movements varies from person to person

3. CAUSES OF CONSTIPATION
• Constipation can be caused by a variety of factors including;
Lack of dietary fiber
Dehydration
Lack of exercise
Certain medications
Medical conditions such as IBS and diabetes
Changes in routine such as traveling

4. SYMPTOMS OF CONSTIPATION
• Difficult of painful bowel movements
• Hard, dry stools
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Feeling of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement
• Straining to have a bowel movement

5. NUTRITION MANAGEMENT OF
CONSTIPATION AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES
• Eat a high fiber diet. Fiber especially the insoluble fiber adds bulk to
stool and helps the stool holds fluids. Fiber rich foods include fruits
vegetables, beans, whole grain bread cereal and rice
• Drink plenty of water. Drink water and beverages without caffeine.
This keeps stool soft and prevent bloating and gas
• Exercise most days off the week. Regular physical activity helps
improve the movement of stool in the colon.
• Use good bowel habits. Do not avoid urge to pass stool. Take time
while passing out stool

6. MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF CONSTIPATION
• Over-the-counter medications; these are medications that you
can buy without a prescription. They are effective when you
follow the directions on the label.
• There are a number of over-the-counter medications that can
be used to relieve constipation including bulk forming laxatives
(methylcellulose), osmotic laxatives(polyethylene glycol),
stimulant laxatives (bisacodyl)
• Prescription medication; if over-the-counter medications are
not effective, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications
such as lubiprostone, linaclotide

7. CONCLUSION
• Constipation is a common digestive condition that can be
caused by a variety of factors
• Eating healthy diet that is high in fiber and fluids can help to
prevent and relieve constipation
• If lifestyle changes are not enough to relieve constipation, your
doctor may recommend over the counter or prescription
medications.