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Truth about constipation in Singapore

This article is more than 12 months old

Singapore has a high number of chronic constipation sufferers with as many as one in four people having the condition, especially young women and the elderly.

A 2012 survey in Singapore also found an increased prevalence of bladder problems and sexual dysfunction among men over age 60 who also suffer from chronic constipation.

Majority of the women here with chronic constipation are white collar workers with more than half at professional or supervisory level.

Straining was found to be predominant among the younger women, while lumpy or hard stools were more prevalent among the middle to older ones. Most women rated their constipation symptoms as severe or moderate. Also, people suffering from chronic constipation are at higher risk for developing complications such as haemorrhoids, anal tearing, intestinal obstruction, intestinal impaction and ulcers.