Constipation is a symptom not a disease and is the most common digestive complaint .It is the infrequent and difficult passage of stools. The frequency of bowel movements among healthy people varies greatly, ranging from three movements a day to three a week. if more than three days pass without a bowel movement, the intestinal contents may harden, and a person may have difficulty or even pain during elimination. Constipation can occur in all ages, from newborns to elderly persons, women experience this problem more than men.

Like fever, constipation can be caused by many different conditions:-

Diet:- The most common cause of constipation is poor diet pattern with low fibre content. People who eat plenty of high-fiber foods are less likely to become constipated.

Inadequate fluid intake:- Liquids like water and juice add fluid to the colon and bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass. People who have the problem of constipation should drink 8 glasses of water daily.

Medicines:- Pain medications, antacids that contain aluminum, antispasmodics, antidepressants, iron tablets, cough medicines which contain codeine, diuretics, and anticonvulsants for epilepsy can slow passage of bowel movements. Lack of physical work can lead to constipation.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):- Is one of the most common causes of constipation. Some people develop spasms of the colon that delay the speed with which the contents of the intestine move through the digestive tract, leading to constipation.

Laxative:- People who habitually take laxatives become dependent upon them and may require increasing dosages until, finally, the intestine becomes insensitive and fails to work properly.

Travel:- People often experience constipation when traveling long distances, which may relate to changes in lifestyle, schedule, diet, and drinking water.

Hormonal Disturbances:- Certain hormonal disturbances, such as an underactive thyroid gland, can produce constipation.

Pregnancy:- Pregnancy is another common cause of constipation. The reason may be partly mechanical, in that the pressure of the heavy womb compresses the intestine, and may be partly due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Specific Diseases:- Many diseases that affect the body tissues, such as scleroderma or lupus, and certain neurological or muscular diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and stroke, can be responsible for constipation.