Constipation is usually referred to as infrequent, incomplete or difficult defecation, with passage of hard or dry feces or stool. Obstipation is severe form of constipation that is caused by chronic constipation and prolonged retention of hard, dry feces. Defecation becomes impossible in patients with this condition. Symptoms include
Straining to defecate with small or no fecal volume
Hard, dry bowel movement
Infrequent or lack of defecation
Small amount of liquid stool with mucus or blood produced after prolonged straining to defecate (known as tenesmus)
Occasional vomiting
Lack of appetite
Depression
Large bowel filled with hard compacted fecal material
Swelling around the anus
