Chronic Constipation: Red Flags You Must Not Ignore for Your Health

• Chronic constipation is defined as persistent bowel difficulty lasting over three months, marked by hard stools, straining, or infrequent bowel movements.
• Dr. Salil Yadav warns that ignoring chronic constipation can lead to severe issues like intestinal blockages or prolonged colon damage.
• Red flags include blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, pencil-thin stools, and new-onset constipation after 50.
• Causes range from lifestyle factors (low fiber, dehydration, inactivity) to underlying medical conditions like IBS or neurological disorders.
• Management involves increasing fiber and hydration, regular exercise, probiotics, and timely medical consultation for persistent cases.

Why It Matters: Do not ignore chronic constipation, especially with red flag symptoms, as it may signal serious underlying health issues.