Medically reviewed by Kumkum S. Patel, MD Key Takeaways Eating more fiber and drinking more fluids can help treat or prevent hard stools.Hard stools occur when your colon absorbs too much water from ...

Chronic constipation often persists despite laxative use because the root cause can be dyssynergic defecation, a muscle ...

Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anal canal. They can cause sharp pain and bleeding, especially during or after bowel movements. Anal fissures can be acute (short-term) or chronic ...

In many cases, anal fissures can heal fast with the help of nonsurgical treatments, such as dietary changes, over-the-counter stool softeners, and topical creams. However, they may recur if the ...

As a pediatric urologist, I treat children of all ages with a variety of toileting difficulties, including bedwetting, daytime wetting, encopresis (poop accidents), chronic urinary tract infections, ...

Constipation involves having fewer than three bowel movements a week. Having dry, hard stools is a common sign of constipation. Children may avoid the bathroom and have a swollen stomach when they are ...

Water is an essential component of our overall health, influencing everything from skin hydration to kidney function. Yet, its impact on our digestive system, particularly the colon, often goes ...

Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) is usually found in your gut in small amounts, but it can become unmanageable and cause digestive problems, such as ulcers and constipation. Constipation is a common ...

Constipation Awareness Month 2025 highlights how common constipation is, why it affects daily life, and how awareness, early ...

Celiac disease can cause diarrhea or constipation. Stools may be greasy, watery, or foul-smelling. The appearance of poop may depend on how much gluten a person consumes. Celiac disease is an ...