Suggest Remedy For Constipation And Pain In Upper Back And Chest

Posted on Sat, 12 Mar 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 12 Mar 2016 Answered on

Fri, 20 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been constipated for about three weeks. I have have a pain all across the upper part of my back and in my chest and esophagus area, kinda like I am not digesting my food. I don't want to eat because when I do, it makes the symptoms worse.

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Diet, spacing meals, abundant drinking, fruits and vegetables and exercise,

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

the symptoms you describe are compatible with irritable bowel syndrome. However, it is important to know if this is the first time you are experiencing this ever, or if its recurrent.

It might be interesting to know if you have vomited or not, and if you have any family history of a colon tumor or cancer. I suggest a colonoscopy be done and test of occult blood in stool carried out to exclude possibility of tumors.

I suggest you take lots of fluids, eat vegetables and fruits abundantly and exercise for a couple of days. In case symptoms persist, you might have to use some drugs. Also spacing your meals (eating small quantities many more times) could help reduce the pressure you a feeling. Drugs that reduce spasms that cause pain could be used (spasfon), as well as gastric contraction regulators (Trimebutine).

Diet, spacing meals, abundant drinking, fruits and vegetables and exercise are my suggested initial starting points. Thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health.

Dr Bain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (1 hour later)

I have the test scheduled. I just need some relief in the mean time. There is no vomiting and no colon cancer in my family. I have taken Benefiber, MiraLax, 3 Correctol and still no movement. I was just getting very concerned.

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Good news. No real reason to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the update,

I am happy with everything you have already done with regards to your health. I think with the medication you are taking and life style modifications (water, diet, exercise, fruits, vegetables0, you need to be more patient as you await to take the test.

With no family history of colon cancer, its too early and almost needless to worry this much. No worries.

Kind regards as i wish you the best of health.

Dr Bain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (15 hours later)

Should I worry about a blockage, especially since nothing is moving me? How serious can this be?

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry this much.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

I think its too early to worry about a blockage at this point. Since you can still stool, you are not vomiting and you do not have a heavily distended abdomen or acute intense abdominal pain, you are out of the emergency/acute surgical margin.

Adopting recommended dietary and life style changes as of now, continuing with your drugs and doing the tests are to me just adequate. To me , you are far from the danger zone to worry this much.

No worries and kind regards as I wish you the best of health.

Dr Bain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (18 hours later)

I want to thank you for all your help. The doctor gave me medicine for Gerd and I feel much better. I finally moved yesterday and that made me feel much better. Thanks so much for easing my mind.

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks and regards as you feel better

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the update

I am happy you are feeling better now.

Thanks and kind regards

Dr Bain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T