Constipation causes frequent problems for millions of people, yet many never realize their body is having a problem. The most obvious side effect of constipation is the inability to have a regular bowel movement. If this condition persists for more than three days, it is important to determine what may be causing the problem. Ignoring constipation will not make it go away, and can lead to a more serious bowel obstruction.

Symptoms of Constipation

• Dry bowel movements
• Vomiting and nausea
• Abdominal swelling

Constipation can have lots of underlying causes, many of them minor. However, in some cases, chronic constipation may point to a more serious health problem, such as colon cancer. Frequent colon cancer screenings are the best way to detect this cancer in its early stages, while it is still easy to treat.