It happens to about everyone at some point.
you might’t move your bowels, or your stool is so hard that it hurts to go.
This article describes severe constipation, when it’s an emergency, and how to relieve symptoms.
Virojt Changyencham / Getty Images
Virojt Changyencham / Getty Images
Severe Constipation Symptoms
Typically,constipationis no cause for alarm.
But chronic constipation is a sign that something isn’t working right.
And some symptoms suggest severe constipation that requires emergency care.
Both can be normal, depending on the person.
Constipation is when you’ve had fewer than three bowel movements in a week.
Straining every time or not having a bowel movement for a week are signs of severe constipation.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can accompany constipation due totrapped gasand hard stool.
You may feel minor stomach cramps or sharp pains throughout your abdomen.
You might even have some visibleabdominal distention.
Fever
Constipation doesn’t cause afever, so you likely have something else.
Diverticulitis andappendicitiscan cause both constipation and fever.
It’s also possible that the fever is unrelated to the constipation.
Complications of Severe Constipation
Straining and hard stools can lead to hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
Severe constipation can lead to fecal impaction and rectal prolapse.
Fecal impactionis when you have a large amount of tightly packed hard stools that you could’t push out.
The mass blocks the path, making constipation even worse.
Untreated fecal impaction can lead tointestinal perforation,bowel obstruction, and ulceration.
Rectal prolapseoccurs when the intestinal lining pushes out from the anal opening.
It may get worse if you continue to strain to move your bowels or have very hard stools.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
There’s no set timetable for when constipation becomes an emergency.
For fecal impaction, immediate treatment may involve abdominal massage anddigital disimpaction.
you could also trybowel training.
It can take a while to form a new habit.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Some over-the-counter (OTC) remedies can help relieve constipation.
It usually takes a few days to work.
Avoid using stool softeners longer than a week without speaking with a healthcare provider.
Bulk-forminglaxativesbulk up the stool, which can help move it through.
Stimulant laxatives cause contractions of the intestinal wall to help push stool through.
And osmotic laxatives pull water into the intestinal tract, which makes it easier to pass stool.
If you’re severely constipated, you might also have abdominal pain, bloating, and vomiting.
You may need emergency care.
Unresolved constipation can lead to serious complications.
Severe or chronic constipation can also signify an underlying condition.
it’s possible for you to try increasing fluids and eating more fiber.
Or it’s possible for you to use a stool softener or laxative.
If this doesn’t work, see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
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