Constipation and Diarrhoea

Abstract

A normal bowel action has been defined as the passage of stool between three times per day and three times per week. With a Western diet the stool weighs on average 100–200 g of which 60%-85% is water. An increase in the final volume of water in the stool of 100 ml or so is enough to produce looseness, whilst a reduction in water content produces hardness. Constipation may be defined as having a bowel action less frequently than three times per week and/or passing hard motions with a reduced water content. Diarrhoea similarly may be described as having a bowel action more frequently than three times per day and/or passing loose motions with an increased water content.