US Medical Term · symptoms
Constipation
Estreñimiento
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Constipation |
| Spanish (Español) | Estreñimiento |
| Chinese (中文) | 便秘 |
| Korean (한국어) | 변비 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Táo bón |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Tibi |
| Portuguese (Português) | Constipação |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ท้องผูก |
| Japanese (日本語) | 便秘 |
What it means
Constipation means having fewer than three bowel movements per week, or having stools that are hard, dry, lumpy, and difficult or painful to pass. Common causes include a low-fiber diet, inadequate fluid intake, lack of physical activity, certain medications such as opioids and iron supplements, and conditions such as hypothyroidism or irritable bowel syndrome. Most constipation responds to increased fiber, fluids, and exercise. See your doctor if constipation is new, severe, or persistent, if you notice blood in the stool, unexpected weight loss, or if over-the-counter remedies are not helping after one to two weeks.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I haven't had a bowel movement in five days.
No he tenido una evacuación intestinal en cinco días.
When I do go, the stool is very hard and painful to pass.
Cuando puedo ir al baño, las heces son muy duras y me duele expulsarlas.
I feel like I can never fully empty my bowels.
Siento que nunca puedo vaciar completamente los intestinos.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
K59 Other functional intestinal disordersRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026