Okuzeka
Medicine vocabulary · Symptoms and Signs

Constipation

Meaning in medicine, with examples

/ˌkɑːnstɪˈpeɪʃən/nounCommon term

In medicine, constipation means: Having difficulty emptying the bowels, or passing hard stools less often than is normal for that person.

In Turkish: kabızlık, konstipasyon

How it is used

Doctors ask about bowel habit: how often, consistency (often with the Bristol stool chart), straining and any change from normal. It is a common side effect of opioids and of lying in a hospital bed. A new change in bowel habit in older adults needs checking.

Example sentences

  1. Constipation is common after surgery, especially with strong painkillers.

  2. He has had constipation alternating with diarrhea for two months.

Common collocations

  • chronic constipation
  • opioid-induced constipation
  • relieve constipation
  • constipation and bloating
  • diarrheaPassing loose or watery stools more often than usual, typically three or more times a day.
  • opioidA strong painkiller that acts on the same receptors in the body as morphine, such as codeine, morphine or oxycodone.
  • abdominal painPain anywhere in the belly, between the chest and the groin; it has many causes, from indigestion to appendicitis.
  • side effectAn effect of a medicine or treatment that is not the main one intended, and is often unwanted, such as drowsiness or an upset stomach.

More terms: Symptoms and Signs

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.