Someone who has constipation will not pass stools as often as they normally do and might find that they are straining to do so. They may also feel that they can't empty their bowels completely.

Constipation can be defined as a change in bowel habit such that no stools are passed for at least three days. Yet people may say they are constipated if they haven't passed stools for a day. The important thing to remember is that a customer can be constipated if they are not passing stools as often as they normally do.

Symptoms include: difficulty passing stools; pain when defecating due to solid, hard stools; abdominal discomfort, and wind. Other symptoms can include blood passed in the motions and stomach cramps.