The symptoms include:

• Needing to open the bowels less often than usual

• Hard, dry stools that may be painful to pass

• Straining to pass the motion

• Having to sit on the toilet for much longer than usual

• The senstion afterwards that the bowel hasn’t fully emptied

• Bloated abdomen

• Abdominal cramps.

WHAT IS CONSTIPATION - WHY COLONIC IRRIGATION?

Constipation is the passing of hard, dry bowel motions (stools) that may be infrequent or difficult to pass. The most common causes of constipation include a change in routine, not enough fibre in the daily diet, not enough fluids and lack of exercise.

See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. It is important not to over-treat constipation with laxatives in place of seeking medical advice.

ARE YOU CONSTIPATED?

Use the chart below to evaluate your bowl movements. Types 1 & 2 indicate constipation.

In some cases, constipation is caused by more serious illnesses and events, including tumours and systemic diseases.