Constipation Danger Signs: When to See a Doctor

Constipation Danger Signs: When to See a Doctor

Constipation is a common gastroenterology concern. It affects most people at some point, whether due to a fiber-poor diet or a stressful day at work. Many cases are more uncomfortable than harmful and will go away by themselves. In some cases, however, constipation can be a sign of a more serious health concern. But how can people tell the difference? Here, the experts at Bergen Medical Associates in northern New Jersey discuss constipation danger signs and when to call a doctor.

What Is Constipation?

Constipation is a condition in which stool moves too slowly through the body. After food is consumed, it is broken down in the stomach for easy nutrient absorption. It then passes into the large intestine. Here, the intestine gradually absorbs water content from the food, converting it into waste products or stool. The stool finally leaves the body through the anus.

Normally, stool remains semi-soft. When stool moves too slowly through the large intestine, however, this causes the intestine to absorb too much water. By the time the stool reaches the anus, it is dry, hard, and difficult to pass without straining or pain. Constipation has many potential causes, including:

• Insufficient liquids
• Insufficient fiber in the diet
• Lack of exercise
• Certain medications
• Overuse of laxatives
• Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
• Major changes in routine
• Stress or anxiety
• Pregnancy
• Old age
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Diverticulitis
• Intestinal obstructions
• Colon cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Neurological disease

Many of these causes can be addressed with a diet or lifestyle change. However, in some cases, serious constipation may require medical intervention from a gastroenterologist to treat a root cause or prevent complications.

What Are Constipation Danger Signs?

Many cases of constipation are relatively harmless. Occasionally, however, prompt intervention is necessary to treat or prevent a serious problem. People experiencing constipation should consult a doctor if they notice any of the following constipation danger signs:

Severe Pain

Constipation often causes discomfort. If it becomes debilitatingly painful, however, it is time to seek medical help. A gastroenterologist can help the patient find relief. Severe constipation pain may also be caused by bowel perforation, or holes in the colon lining created by hard and lumpy stool. While rare, bowel perforation requires immediate medical attention to prevent a life-threatening infection.

Blood in Stool

If stool contains blood, seek medical care. Blood in stool can indicate a variety of conditions, including colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or diverticulitis. Whatever the cause, internal or bowel bleeding is always serious. It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider promptly to identify the source and receive the appropriate treatment.

Fever

Constipation by itself does not cause a fever. If constipation is accompanied by a fever, it may be a sign of diverticulitis. This condition occurs when small pouches form in the colon. These pouches can become inflamed or infected, resulting in a fever. Mild bouts of diverticulitis must be treated with antibiotics to address infection. Severe cases may cause tearing and bleeding in the bowel.

Vomiting

As with fever, constipation does not create nausea or vomiting by itself. However, experiencing both constipation and nausea may indicate a severe bowel obstruction. This obstruction can cause digestive food to back up in the intestines and stomach. The resulting pressure leads to nausea or vomiting. Alternatively, constipation and vomiting together may indicate a gastrointestinal infection.

Inability to Pass Gas

If constipation makes it difficult to pass gas, it may have developed into a bowel obstruction. A bowel obstruction occurs when a mass in the small or large intestine prevents the body from moving digestive food and waste along the gastrointestinal tract. It may be created by a foreign object or fecal impaction, or a mass of hardened waste that gets stuck in the colon or rectum.

No Movements for More Than One Week

Finally, if the person has experienced no bowel movements for over seven days, they should seek medical attention. Extended constipation may not be an emergency by itself, but it can lead to fecal compaction. A gastroenterologist can prevent serious problems from developing by performing an enema to soften stool, or with other treatments that make stool easier to pass.

Treat Constipation at Bergen Medical Associates

If a patient notices any of these constipation danger signs, they should seek treatment at Bergen Medical Associates. For more than 25 years, Bergen Medical Associates has been an area leader in expert care for all gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. All the physicians are board-certified, and the on-site ambulatory surgical suite treats serious digestive disorders. Bergen Medical Associates maintains convenient locations across northern New Jersey. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact the team today.