Constipation is a common digestive issue characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing hard, dry stools. While often temporary and manageable, constipation can sometimes signal a serious underlying medical problem. Recognizing these indicators is important, as some situations require prompt medical attention to prevent severe complications.
Critical Warning Signs
Certain symptoms alongside constipation indicate a need for immediate medical evaluation. These include severe, constant, or worsening abdominal pain. Abdominal swelling or distension is another concerning indicator. Vomiting, especially if bile-stained green or with a fecal odor, is an urgent symptom.
An inability to pass gas or stool, despite feeling the urge, points to a potential digestive tract blockage. Fever, a rapid heart rate, or rapid breathing alongside constipation can signify infection or inflammation. Any rectal bleeding, whether bright red or black, tarry stools, warrants immediate medical attention. A sudden onset of severe constipation in someone with no prior history is also a warning sign.
Underlying Causes of Severe Constipation
Severe constipation can stem from various medical conditions. A primary cause is bowel obstruction, a partial or complete blockage in the small or large intestine. Obstructions can result from scar tissue, tumors, or strictures that narrow the bowel. When an obstruction occurs, waste, gas, and digestive fluids accumulate behind the blockage, leading to severe symptoms.
Fecal impaction is another serious condition, where a large, hardened stool mass becomes stuck in the rectum or colon, preventing other stool from passing. This often occurs with prolonged constipation, causing pain, bloating, and vomiting. Paralytic ileus is a condition where intestinal muscles temporarily stop functioning, mimicking a blockage without a physical obstruction. This paralysis prevents food and waste movement, leading to fluid and gas buildup.
Toxic megacolon involves extreme widening and inflammation of the large intestine, leading to life-threatening complications. Acute abdominal emergencies can also present with severe constipation. Appendicitis can cause severe abdominal pain, sometimes accompanied by constipation, nausea, and fever. Diverticulitis, where colon pouches become inflamed or infected, can also lead to constipation, pain, and fever.
Steps for Emergency Situations
If any severe warning signs accompany constipation, seek immediate medical help. For symptoms like severe, unremitting abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, fever, or significant rectal bleeding, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent further complications.
When seeking medical attention, provide details about symptom onset, progression, recent bowel habit changes, and current medications. Avoid taking additional laxatives or attempting enemas without medical advice, as these can worsen conditions like bowel obstructions. Medical evaluation often includes a physical examination, checking for abdominal tenderness, distension, and listening for bowel sounds.
Further diagnostic tests may involve imaging studies like abdominal X-rays. A computed tomography (CT) scan provides more detailed images to pinpoint the location and cause of a blockage. Blood tests may also be performed to check for signs of infection, inflammation, or electrolyte imbalances. These steps help medical teams understand the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate course of action.