In the United States, 16 percent of adults experience constipation; while 33 percent of people aged 60 and over have constipation symptoms. Why is constipation so common in the United States? How do we effectively relieve symptoms?
1 in 3 Americans Over the Age of 60 Suffer From Constipation
Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders. At least 2.5 million people see their doctor each year due to constipation, and the direct costs attributed to constipation-related health care are estimated to be greater than $230 million per annum.In a cross-sectional survey of the US population, 4,702 (36 percent) of the 13,125 individuals who were finally included in the calculation were constipated. Of those who experienced constipation, only 38 percent reported ever discussing the problem with a healthcare provider; many had symptoms but did not receive treatment. The phenomenon of people with constipation ignoring or misevaluating their own symptoms has also been confirmed in another survey: nearly 1/3 of those who claim to have no constipation problems actually suffer from chronic constipation.
Symptoms and Causes of Constipation
How do you know if you are constipated? Symptoms of constipation are defined as:- Fewer than three bowel movements a week
- Stools that are hard, dry/lumpy
- Stools that are difficult or painful to pass
- A feeling that not all stool has passed
