Hard stool happens when your colon absorbs too much water from your stool.
This commonly occurs withconstipation, defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week.
Common causes includedehydrationand alow-fiber diet.
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
If constipation and hard stools persist for more than three months, it is known aschronic constipation.
In severe cases, medications, enemas, specialist procedures, and even surgery may be needed.
Causes
Stools become hard when they don’t contain enough water.
Even so, there are common approaches to treating hard stools irrespective of the underlying cause.
This happens when hard stool “piles up” in the bowel and becomes increasingly difficult to move.
Left untreated, this can cause bleeding, hemorrhoids, andbowel obstruction.
They can also interact with other medications you may be taking.
Most people can successfully prevent constipation at home, but if the problem persists, see your healthcare provider.
This can happen if you are dehydrated and lack fiber in your diet.
It can also occur if you put off having a bowel movement.
Treatment of hard stools includes increased hydration, exercise, and eating more soluble fiber.
In severe cases, an enema, digital disimpaction, or surgery may be needed.
Bharucha AE, Lacy BE.Mechanisms, evaluation, and management of chronic constipation.Gastroenterology.
2020;158(5):1232-1249.e3.
doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2019.12.034
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Constipation.
2016;16:4. doi:10.1186/s12877-015-0162-5
Canadian Society of Intestinal Research.Enemas.
Rao SS, Patcharatrakul T.Diagnosis and treatment of dyssynergic defecation.J Neurogastroenterol Motil.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for constipation.
