When stool remains in the colon for an extended period, it can become hard and difficult to pass. This is known as fecal impaction.
Possible symptoms include:
- Difficulty passing stool.
- Abdominal discomfort or bloating.
- A feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely.
- Reduced appetite or nausea.
- Occasionally, liquid stool leaking around the impacted stool.
Severe fecal impaction sometimes requires medical treatment rather than ordinary dietary changes or over-the-counter remedies.
2. Intestinal Obstruction
A bowel obstruction occurs when something prevents intestinal contents from moving normally through the digestive tract. Possible causes include adhesions from previous surgery, a hernia, a twisted bowel, or a mass.
Warning signs can include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal swelling, and an inability to pass stool or gas.
A complete obstruction can become life-threatening because it may compromise the blood supply to the bowel or cause perforation.
3. Abnormal Enlargement of the Colon
The colon can become significantly enlarged when its contents cannot move through it properly or when its normal muscular activity is impaired.
In some cases, this is called megacolon. Another serious condition, acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, can cause substantial colon dilation even when no physical blockage is present.
Doctors must distinguish between these possibilities because treatment depends on the underlying cause.
4. Why Two Weeks of Constipation Should Not Be Ignored
Not everyone who experiences constipation for two weeks has an emergency. However, prolonged constipation deserves medical assessment, particularly when it is new, worsening, or associated with other symptoms.
Seek emergency medical care if constipation occurs with any of the following:
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain.
- A markedly swollen or tense abdomen.
- Repeated vomiting.
- Inability to pass gas.
- Fever, fainting, or significant weakness.
These symptoms can indicate a serious intestinal problem. If an obstruction is suspected, do not take laxatives or attempt an enema without medical advice.
How Doctors Investigate This Condition
The medical team may perform several assessments to determine what is happening.
Step 1: Review symptoms and medical history. Doctors ask when the last bowel movement occurred, whether the patient can pass gas, and whether there is pain, vomiting, or abdominal swelling.
Step 2: Perform a physical examination. The abdomen is examined for tenderness, distension, and other signs that may suggest obstruction or inflammation.
Step 3: Interpret the abdominal X-ray. The clinician evaluates bowel size, gas distribution, and any findings that may indicate obstruction or abnormal dilation.
Step 4: Order additional imaging when necessary. A CT scan may help identify the cause of bowel dilation, locate an obstruction, and assess possible complications.
Step 5: Begin treatment according to the diagnosis. Depending on the cause and severity, treatment may involve fluids, correction of electrolyte abnormalities, bowel decompression, medication, or surgery.
Can Severe Constipation Be Prevented?
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