partake on PinterestPeopleImages/Getty Images There are many potential causes of large, painful, and hard-to-pass stools. They include :
Constipation
constipation can cause stools that are hard to pass. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases note that constipation is a coarse condition, affecting about 16 out of 100 adults in the United States. Among those aged 60 years and over, it affects 33 out of 100 people. possible causes of constipation include :
- older age
- lack of fiber in the diet
- travel
- ignoring the need to have a bowel movement
- dehydration
- lack of physical activity
- changes in diet or eating habits
The symptoms of stultification may include :
- fewer than three bowel movements in a week
- hard, dry, or lumpy stools
- difficulty passing a stool or pain on doing so
- the feeling of an incomplete bowel movement
Fecal impaction
faecal impaction is a condition in which the body is unable to move a large, dry, unvoiced stool through the colon or rectum. Causes of faecal impingement can include :
- overuse of laxatives
- some types of pain medication
- lack of physical activity over an extended period
- dietary changes
- untreated constipation
The symptoms can include :
- inability to pass a stool
- stomach or back pain
- difficulty urinating
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea that leaks out
- changes in breathing or heartbeat
faecal impaction can be dangerous without treatment, so a person should seek medical help straight away if they have symptoms of faecal impaction .
Bowel obstruction
A intestine obstruction is a hard condition in which an obstruction in the intestines blocks the normal digestion summons. As a result, it can be difficult or impossible to move stools through to the rectum. possible causes of a intestine obstruction include :
- foreign objects in the intestines
- abnormal twists or growths of the intestines
- inflammatory bowel disease
- a tumor
- scarring after surgery or infection
- a hernia
The symptoms can include :
- severe stomach pain or cramping
- vomiting
- a swollen or full-feeling stomach
- constipation
- inability to pass gas
- loud sounds coming from the stomach
A intestine obstruction is an emergency, and a person will need aesculapian help immediately .
Hypothyroidism
In people with hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is ineffective to produce adequate of the thyroid hormones, which affects many bodily functions. hypothyroidism can cause constipation. other symptoms may include :
- fatigue
- dry skin and hair
- being unable to tolerate the cold
- depression
- unexplained weight gain
hypothyroidism is more common in females and those over the age of 60 years .
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a digestive exit that causes abdominal discomfort and patronize changes in intestine movements. The symptoms may include :
- stomach pain
- constipation
- diarrhea
- bloating
- gas
- mucus in the stool
- headaches
- nausea
- fatigue
There is no clear campaign of IBS, but triggers can include :
- stress
- certain foods or drinks
- bacterial infection or overgrowth in the gut
- mental health disorders
Encopresis
encopresis refers to children over 4 years of age being unable to control their intestine movements. long-run constipation normally causes encopresis. The symptoms include :
- soiling of clothing or defecating on the floor
- painful, hard-to-pass stools
- large stools that may clog the toilet
- leaking of liquid stools
Pregnancy
constipation can be a coarse symptom in pregnancy, when it can be due to :
- changing hormones affecting the digestive system
- the developing baby pressing down on the intestines
- reduced physical activity
- dietary changes
People may experience :
- hard, lumpy stools
- the feeling of an incomplete bowel movement
- straining
- infrequent bowel movements
Medications
Certain medications and supplements can cause hard-to-pass stools, including :
- antiacids with aluminum and calcium
- antiseizure medications
- calcium channel blockers
- diuretics
- iron supplements
- Parkinson’s disease medications
- narcotics
- medications to treat muscle spasms
- some antidepressants
