What is the term for the condition characterized by chronic difficulty in moving the bowels?

The term that refers to chronic difficulty in moving the bowels is chronic constipation. This condition is defined by infrequent bowel movements and trouble passing stools, which can lead to discomfort, bloating, and abdominal pain. Individuals experiencing chronic constipation may have fewer than three bowel movements per week and may struggle with straining or having hard stools.

The other terms mentioned do not accurately describe chronic difficulty in bowel movements. Pancreatic insufficiency relates to the inability of the pancreas to produce sufficient digestive enzymes, which primarily affects the digestion of food rather than bowel movement frequency. Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the gut microbiome, which can affect overall gut health but does not specifically denote difficulty in bowel movements. Diarrhea is the opposite condition, characterized by frequent, loose, or watery stools, rather than a struggle with movement or infrequency.