If someone has constipation along with severe abdominal pain, this could be a sign of a more serious health condition. Blood in the stool, unintended weight loss, an unexpected new onset of constipation—all of these are signs that you should seek medical attention, says Dr. Almario.
Any rectal bleeding and whether they are passing flatus. Weight loss or loss of appetite. Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and/or vomiting, or urinary symptoms. Night sweats.
Overview. Chronic constipation is infrequent bowel movements or difficult passage of stools that persists for several weeks or longer. Constipation is generally described as having fewer than three bowel movements a week.
Constipation should not be ignored. If it is left untreated, serious complications may arise such as hemorrhoids, anal fissure, fecal impaction and rectal prolapse as well as other related diseases that affect to general health in a long run.
“It would be an emergency if you hadn't had a bowel movement for a prolonged time, and you're also experiencing major bloating or severe abdominal pain,” notes Dr. Zutshi. Slight symptoms will not take you to the emergency room. You should go to the emergency room if your symptoms are severe.
Constipation rarely causes any complications or long-term health problems. Treatment is usually effective, particularly if it's started promptly. However, if you have long-term (chronic) constipation, you may be more at risk of experiencing complications.
Surgery is always a last resort. Most constipation can be resolved with diet, lifestyle changes and laxative therapy. Surgery is recommended if you have a slow moving colon that has failed all medical treatments or if you have a structure blocking the way that is causing your constipation.
A number of prescription medications are available to treat chronic constipation. Lubiprostone (Amitiza), linaclotide (Linzess) and plecanatide (Trulance) work by drawing water into your intestines and speeding up the movement of stool.
In studies of up to 2 years duration, MOVICOL® has been shown to be generally well tolerated. As with all laxatives, prolonged use is not usually recommended, except under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Usually people find that Movicol takes effect around one to two days after taking it. The duration of the treatment for constipation may continue for up to two weeks.
You may become constipated if you don't eat enough high-fiber foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Eating a lot of high-fat meats, dairy products and eggs, sweets, or processed foods may cause constipation. Not enough fluids.
Very severe constipation or constipation accompanied by certain warning signs — such as blood in the stool or severe abdominal pain — can constitute a medical emergency.
If you take laxatives too often, you could keep your body from “knowing” when it's time to have a bowel movement. Your body will be less likely to respond to the urge to go, and stool may build up in your colon or rectum.
What should you do if a laxative isn't working? If your constipation isn't relieved with OTC laxatives, it could mean that you have a more serious condition going on. One possibility is a bowel obstruction. This is caused when something's preventing food from moving through your gut properly and things get backed up.
Constipated patients may feel tightness in their abdomen, or a sharp, cramping pain deep in their gut. They may also feel full all the time—as if they've just eaten a large meal—even when they haven't eaten for several hours. Patients may also feel gassy, but passing gas does not relieve discomfort.
Strict diets, skipping meals and restricting fluids can lead to constipation which can add 2 to 6 pounds to the scale. Ease constipation by increasing fiber-rich foods, water and exercise.
Constipation: A dose of Movicol is 1 sachet dissolved in 125 ml (1/4 pint) of water. Take this 1 – 3 times a day according to the severity of your constipation.
What's the difference between fecal impaction and constipation? Constipation is when it's difficult to poop. Constant and untreated constipation causes fecal impaction, when there's a buildup of poop that you're unable to naturally pass.
Common symptoms include: Abdominal cramping and bloating. Leakage of liquid or sudden episodes of watery diarrhea in someone who has chronic (long-term) constipation. Rectal bleeding.
The recommended dose of Movicol is 1 sachet a day. This can be increased to 2 or 3 sachets daily if necessary.