Constipation, costiveness, or irregularity is a condition of the digestive system in which a person (or animal) experiences hard feces that are difficult to expel. This usually happens because the colon absorbs too much water from the food. If the food moves through the gastro-intestinal tract too slowly, the colon may absorb too much water, resulting in feces that are dry and hard.
Defecation may be extremely painful, and in severe cases (''fecal impaction'') lead to symptoms of bowel obstruction.
The term obstipation is used for severe constipation that prevents passage of both stools and gas. Causes of constipation may be dietary, hormonal, anatomical, a side effect of medications (e.g., some opiates), or an illness or disorder. Treatments consist of changes in dietary and exercise habits, the use of laxatives, and other medical interventions depending on the underlying cause.
Depending on the definition employed, constipation occurs in 2% of the population; it is more common in women, the elderly and children.
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