When Does Constipation Require Medical Intervention?

Almost everyone is bound to get constipated at some point in their lives. Constipation is technically defined as having less than three bowel movements per week, but it’s important to note that everyone’s normal bowel habits will look very different. 

Some people poop several times a day, while others only a couple of times a week. You should have nothing to worry about as long as you stay consistent. However, if you do go longer than three days without a bowel movement, you’re probably constipated. The longer you go without pooping, the harder your stools get to pass.

Occasionally, experiencing mild constipation isn’t a concern, and over-the-counter methods or at-home treatments should be enough to resolve it. But if your constipation is sudden, severe, or chronic, there could be a serious underlying health issue that requires medical intervention. 

At the Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center in Town and Country, Missouri, our team, led by Betsy Clemens, MD, understands that it can be difficult to tell when constipation requires more than home remedies. So, this month's blog discusses when to seek expert-level treatment. 

Symptoms and complications of severe constipation 

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms in addition to the lack of bowel movements, your constipation could point to a serious or even emergent health problem:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Inability to pass gas
• Going more than a week without a bowel movement
• Painful bloating and abdominal distention
• Having dark, tarry stools or blood in your stool
• Vomiting 
• Fever

When you're constipated for too long and too often, it can lead to several health conditions that need medical attention, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fecal impaction, intestinal perforation, and bowel obstructions. 

Chronic or sudden and painful constipation could also point to underlying health issues such as bowel cancer, colon cancer, ulcers, or bowel inflammation. 

Treating severe constipation 

If you're experiencing any symptoms of severe constipation, it's important to seek care as quickly as possible. Our team can discuss your symptoms, perform a physical evaluation, and perform additional testing to determine the underlying cause. 

To prevent further cases of severe constipation, always stay hydrated, exercise regularly, eat a diet rich in fiber, and never put off going to the bathroom. 

If you need expert-level care for severe constipation or other gastrointestinal issues, look no further than Dr. Clemens and the rest of our team at the Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center. 

Please schedule an appointment today by calling our office or using our online booking feature.