adults of all ages, although it tends to become more common with increasing age.
Changes in diet, drinking too little water, reduced physical activity, travel, stress, changes in routine, and certain medications can all contribute to the problem.
For some people, constipation lasts only a short time. For others, it may occur repeatedly or become chronic.
When constipation keeps returning without an obvious explanation, it is worth discussing the problem with a healthcare professional rather than simply ignoring it.
## 3/9 What Are the Most Common Symptoms?
Constipation does not always mean simply “not going to the toilet.”
Several symptoms may occur at the same time.
These can include:
* Hard, dry, or lumpy stools
* Difficulty passing stool
* Straining during bowel movements
* A feeling that the bowel has not completely emptied
* Abdominal discomfort
* Bloating
* A feeling of heaviness or fullness
