Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Are The Risks Of Prolonged Constipation?

How long can one go without successful bowel movements before risking fecal impaction? I ask because I've been very badly constipated for the past five or so days -- although I have a history of constipation, it's never been like this before, with a heavy feeling and stool too big to pass despite straining, and none of my usual measures are working: water, fiber, stool softeners, even milk of magnesia (which I have never tried before)... the unusualness of this episode worries me. I don't feel any pain, and I still definitely have appetite, but the Random Online Stuff I read didn't say that pain and appetite loss would happen in 100% of cases of fecal impaction.
Tue, 11 Apr 2017
Report Abuse
General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted the history and understood the concerns.
Yes, you are absolutely right in saying that the pain, loss of appetite and bloating can occur in constipation but if the impaction is in the rectum or sigmoid colon it takes a long time to develop the symptoms just mentioned.
If you are feeling that the stool is too big to pass out and water, fibers, stool softeners, milk of magnesia are also not working, this can be a serious concern and needs the following in such a situation:
Get and X-ray of the abdomen and ultrasonography to start with to find out whether the colon is loaded with fecolith.
If present this can be removed only by Soap and saline enema.
Further tests of colonoscopy and biopsy and CT scan of the abdomen can help to identify the cause and get treated accordingly.
Once the bowel is evacuated, maintain the normal status by use of the laxatives and such things as mentioned above.
If the colonoscopy, CT scan show some growth or so, you be prepared for surgery.
Also identify the foods and beverages that instigate or enhance the constipation and stop them altogether.

I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Fecal impaction


Loading Online Doctors....
What Are The Risks Of Prolonged Constipation?

Hi. Thanks for your query. Noted the history and understood the concerns. Yes, you are absolutely right in saying that the pain, loss of appetite and bloating can occur in constipation but if the impaction is in the rectum or sigmoid colon it takes a long time to develop the symptoms just mentioned. If you are feeling that the stool is too big to pass out and water, fibers, stool softeners, milk of magnesia are also not working, this can be a serious concern and needs the following in such a situation: Get and X-ray of the abdomen and ultrasonography to start with to find out whether the colon is loaded with fecolith. If present this can be removed only by Soap and saline enema. Further tests of colonoscopy and biopsy and CT scan of the abdomen can help to identify the cause and get treated accordingly. Once the bowel is evacuated, maintain the normal status by use of the laxatives and such things as mentioned above. If the colonoscopy, CT scan show some growth or so, you be prepared for surgery. Also identify the foods and beverages that instigate or enhance the constipation and stop them altogether.