Functional Constipation

Functional constipation is the presence of symptoms in the absence of known causes. This distinguishes it from "organic constipation," which is caused by identifiable physical defects.

This condition is not a result of these common or uncommon physical causes.

Common Causes are

Cecal or sigmoid volvulus (looping) Colorectal cancer Diverticulitis (formation of "pockets" in the lining of the intestine) Fecal impaction (formation of a hard mass of stool in either the large or small intestine that has to be removed by medical procedure)

Uncommon Causes

Adhesions (growth of scar tissue preventing passage of stool) Foreign bodies lodged in the intestine Hernia (sagging of the lining of the intestine into the abdominal wall) Pelvic inflammatory disease (chronic or acute infection outside the intestine causing inflammation that prevents flow of stools through the intestine).

This condition does not have any of the above-mentioned causes. The term is usually used to refer to a form of condition that has a psychological component.

There may be bad diet, or an unwillingness to defecate causing nervous reactions that close the inner anal sphincter muscle. This muscle is not under voluntary control. (The outer anal sphincter muscle, however, is under voluntary control.)

When there is an inability to pass stool due to this involuntarily clamping down, there frequently is a history of trauma. Typical treatments, like diet and added fluids, may be helpful, but psychological healing is necessary to overcome the problem.

Also read our article about Use of Enemas for Constipation