Constipation is a symptom rather than a disease. It can be defined as having fewer bowel movements than usual, often accompanied by longer or more difficult passage of stool. What is normal for one person may not be normal for another. There is no right number of bowel movements. Regularity is the normal healthy situation. You may be regular with two bowel movements per day or three bowel movements per week. Doctors often ask the following questions regarding potential concern for constipation:

Do you --
• have fewer than three bowel movements per week
• have a hard time passing stools
• have pain with bowel movements
• have bleeding with bowel movements

If the answer is yes to one or more of these, you may have constipation.

Westmoreland County Area Agency on Aging
Information Line
200 S Main St
Greensburg, PA 15601
Contact: Mark Hanna
(724) 830-4444
1-800-442-8000