#constipationawarenessmonth

Constipation Awareness Month, a global healthcare event, that has been observed annually throughout December. Various organisations both global and local, join together during this month to conduct awareness campaigns and activities with the aim to educate people about the condition, its complications, and preventive measures for constipation.

Importance for Constipation Awareness

Constipation is a frequent gastrointestinal condition, that affects people of all ages, with a prevalence of around 20% in the general population and 29.6% in children. Constipation is more common in the elderly than in the younger population. Elderly women suffer from severe constipation more frequently (two to three times) than male counterparts. In India, 22% of adults suffer from constipation, where 59% of them complain of severe constipation and 27% complain of constipation associated with certain comorbidities, according to the 2018 Gut Health Survey.

The most common type of constipation is normal-transit, where the traverse of the stool through the colon and its frequency may be normal, but patients nevertheless feel constipated. Women mostly face slow-transit constipation, where a reduction in colonic motor activity combined with a significantly diminished colonic responses are observed following a meal and on awakening in the morning. Pelvic floor dysfunction is another type of constipation where the person is unable to correctly relax and coordinate the muscles in the pelvic floor in order to have a bowel movement. 

What is Constipation

Constipation is a common digestive issue where bowel movements become infrequent, hard, and difficult to pass. People may pass stools fewer than three times a week, and the stool often becomes dry or lumpy. This occurs when stool moves slowly through the colon or when the body absorbs too much water from it. Constipation can happen due to low-fiber diets, dehydration, lack of activity, or ignoring the urge to pass stool. Although often temporary, chronic constipation may point to an underlying condition that needs medical attention.

Key features include:

Hard or dry stools

Straining during bowel movements

Bloating or abdominal discomfort

Importance of Addressing Constipation

Recognizing and treating constipation early is important because long-term constipation can lead to several health complications. Prolonged straining can cause piles, anal fissures, and even rectal prolapse. It may also lead to fecal impaction, where stool becomes stuck and cannot be passed naturally. Constipation can disrupt daily comfort, appetite, sleep, and emotional well-being. Many people hesitate to talk about bowel issues, making awareness essential for early intervention.

Why it matters:

Prevents complications like piles and fissures

Improves daily comfort and digestive health

Encourages people to seek timely medical care

Preventive Tips for Constipation

Most constipation can be prevented with simple, sustainable lifestyle habits. Eating a fiber-rich diet, staying hydrated, and moving regularly help keep the digestive system active. Establishing a daily toilet routine, avoiding junk foods, and including natural probiotics support smooth bowel function. Managing stress and getting enough sleep also play an important role in maintaining healthy digestion.

Helpful preventive steps:

Eat more fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)

Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily

Exercise regularly—walking and yoga help

Avoid processed and fried foods

Include probiotics like curd or buttermilk

PACE Hospitals is one of the Best Hospitals in Hyderabad, dedicated to promoting Constipation Awareness Month and advancing public health through expert guidance, state-of-the-art diagnostics, personalised treatment plans, and compassionate care.