Normal stool patterns vary and are different for everyone. Some may have a bowel movement more than once a day while others may have one every other day. Normal stools should not be painful or difficult to pass. Constipation is defined as infrequent bowel movements that are hard and difficult to pass. Constipation may occur chronically or occasionally. It may result from a diet too low in fiber or fluid, from inadequate activity, from a medical condition, or from medications.
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