| umls-concept:C0009806 | skos:definition | MSH: Infrequent or difficult evacuation of FECES. These symptoms are associated with a variety of causes, including low DIETARY FIBER intake, emotional or nervous disturbances, systemic and structural disorders, drug-induced aggravation, and infections.,CSP: condition in which bowel movements are infrequent or incomplete.,MEDLINEPLUS: <p>Constipation means that a person has three or fewer <a href='http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bowelmovement.html'>bowel movements</a> in a week. The stool can be hard and dry. Sometimes it is painful to pass. At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. In most cases, it lasts a short time and is not serious. </p><p>There are many things you can do to prevent constipation. They include <ul><li> Eating more fruits, vegetables and grains, which are high in <a href='http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dietaryfiber.html'>fiber</a></li><li> Drinking plenty of water and other liquids</li><li> Getting enough exercise</li><li> Taking time to have a bowel movement when y | lld:umls |
