Constipation

Constipation is a condition of the digestive system where a person (or other animal) experiences difficulty in eliminating feces.

Some of the main causes of constipation include:

• Constriction, where part of the intestine or rectum is narrowed or blocked, not allowing feces to move past
• Paralysis, where peristaltic action is diminished or absent, so that feces are not moved along
• Excessive drying of feces, forming a hard bulk that cannot be eliminated
• Insufficient intake of food or dietary fiber, so that a suitable bolus is not formed
• Psychosomatic constipation, based on anxiety or unfamiliarity with surroundings

These causes may have a multiplicity of causes themselves.

People often take laxatives to try to eliminate constipation.

Screaming Jay Hawkins wrote and sang "Constipation Blues" while suffering a serious bout. The Bonzo Dog Band recorded "The Strain" on the same subject.