May be due to functional or organic disease of the gastrointestinal tract.
Constipation is defined as having less than 3 bowel movements per week and is accompanied by dry stools and straining to defecate. There are many causes of constipation, and functional or organic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, primary or secondary, may cause constipation to occur.
Functional gastrointestinal disorders such as constipated irritable bowel syndrome, functional constipation, and pelvic floor defecation disorders can cause constipation, which may be accompanied by abdominal discomfort or pain.
Infectious diseases of the intestinal tract such as intestinal tuberculosis can cause the onset of constipation, which may alternate between diarrhea and constipation and may be accompanied by symptoms such as afternoon low-grade fever and weight loss.
Intestinal neuropathies such as slow-transmission constipation and congenital megacolon can cause constipation due to dysfunction or absence of nerves in the intestine resulting in the inability of the intestine to move properly.
Organic lesions such as colorectal tumors or anogenital sphincter failure can lead to obstructive constipation, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as bloody stools, abdominal masses, and weight loss. Anorectal examination should be performed when constipation due to anorectal lesions is suspected and may be helpful in determining the presence or absence of masses and sphincter function at the rectum and anus.
Other systemic pathologies such as diabetes mellitus, hypo- or hyperthyroidism can lead to decreased bowel motility can cause constipation to develop.
In addition, some medications such as antidepressants, anticholinergic agents, and long-term use of stimulant laxatives can also cause constipation.