Constipation: Symptoms, Common Causes, and When to Get Medical Care
Constipation
Constipation is a common digestive concern that can make bowel movements difficult, uncomfortable, or less frequent than usual. It may happen occasionally because of diet, dehydration, travel, stress, medications, or changes in routine. For some people, constipation becomes recurrent or chronic and may need medical evaluation.
Most mild constipation improves with simple lifestyle changes, but constipation should not be ignored when it is severe, painful, persistent, or associated with warning signs such as blood in the stool, vomiting, weight loss, or significant abdominal pain.
What Is Constipation?
Constipation generally means having fewer than three bowel movements per week, hard or dry stools, straining, or feeling like you cannot fully empty your bowels. Chronic constipation is usually considered when symptoms happen for three months or longer.
Constipation symptoms as fewer than three stools per week, hard or lumpy stools, straining, pain with bowel movements, feeling blocked, or feeling that stool has not fully passed.
Constipation can be short-term or long-term. The best next step depends on how long symptoms have been happening, how severe they are, and whether there are any red flag symptoms.
Common Symptoms
Constipation may cause:
Fewer bowel movements than usual
Hard, dry, or lumpy stools
Straining to have a bowel movement
Pain or discomfort with bowel movements
Bloating or abdominal fullness
Gas
Feeling like the rectum is blocked
Feeling like you did not completely empty your bowels
Needing extra effort or position changes to pass stool
Rectal discomfort
Some people may also have nausea, reduced appetite, or cramping, especially if constipation is more severe.
Common Causes or Triggers
Constipation can happen for many reasons, including:
Not drinking enough fluids
Low fiber intake
Not eating enough fruits, vegetables, or whole grains
Low physical activity
Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
Travel or changes in routine
Stress
Pregnancy
Aging
Irritable bowel syndrome
Thyroid problems
Diabetes
Neurological conditions
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Certain medications
Medications and supplements that may contribute to constipation include opioids, iron, calcium supplements, some antacids, some antidepressants, some nausea medications, some bladder medications, and some blood pressure medications.
Constipation may be related to lifestyle factors, medicines, dietary supplements, and medical problems that slow stool movement or make bowel movements difficult.
When to Seek Medical Care
You should schedule medical care if:
Constipation is new for you
Constipation lasts longer than usual
Constipation does not improve with self-care
You have not had a bowel movement in several days
You have bloating or abdominal pain
You have nausea or vomiting
You see blood in your stool
Stool is black or tarry
You have unexplained weight loss
Constipation alternates with diarrhea
You have rectal pain
You have a family history of colon or rectal cancer
You need laxatives frequently
You recently started a new medication that may be causing constipation
Schedule an appointment with a doctor if constipation does not go away with self-care or if there is a family history of colon or rectal cancer. It also advises prompt evaluation for constipation with symptoms such as rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, constant abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, lower back pain, or unexplained weight loss.
When to Go to Urgent Care or the ER
Seek urgent in-person care or call 911 if you have:
Severe or worsening abdominal pain
A swollen, hard, or very distended abdomen
Vomiting, especially if you cannot keep fluids down
Inability to pass stool or gas with significant pain or bloating
Blood in the stool or black, tarry stool
Fever with abdominal pain
Fainting, confusion, or severe weakness
Severe rectal bleeding
Sudden severe constipation after abdominal surgery
Concern for bowel obstruction
These symptoms may suggest bowel obstruction, severe dehydration, infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, or another condition that needs immediate evaluation.
Can Telehealth Help?
Yes, telehealth may be appropriate for many adults with mild to moderate constipation when there are no severe red flag symptoms. A virtual visit can help review possible causes, medication side effects, hydration and fiber intake, bowel patterns, and whether labs, imaging, colon cancer screening, or in-person evaluation may be needed.
During a telehealth visit, your provider may ask about:
How long constipation has been happening
How often you have bowel movements
Stool appearance and consistency
Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, or vomiting
Blood in the stool or black stools
Weight loss, fever, or appetite changes
Current medications and supplements
Diet, hydration, and activity level
Prior colonoscopy or colon cancer screening history
Medical conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes, IBS, or neurological conditions
What treatments you have already tried
Telehealth is not appropriate for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, inability to pass gas, severe abdominal swelling, fainting, severe weakness, rectal bleeding, black stools, or symptoms that may suggest bowel obstruction.
Prevention Tips
Constipation may be reduced by:
Drinking enough fluids
Eating fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains
Increasing fiber slowly to reduce gas and bloating
Staying physically active
Not ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
Creating a regular bathroom routine
Reviewing constipating medications with a healthcare provider
Using laxatives only as directed
Staying current with recommended colon cancer screening
Constipation is often short-term and can be helped by prevention steps such as drinking enough fluids, eating more fiber, exercising regularly, and responding to the urge to have a bowel movement.
What This Means for You
Constipation is common, but it should be taken seriously when it is new, persistent, painful, recurrent, or associated with warning signs. A medical evaluation can help determine whether symptoms are related to diet, hydration, medications, a digestive condition, or another health concern.
At Your Best Life Medical eClinic, we provide convenient telehealth visits for adults in Virginia when constipation symptoms are mild to moderate and appropriate for virtual care.
Schedule a Telehealth Visit
Concerned about constipation, bloating, or changes in your bowel habits? Schedule a telehealth visit today to discuss your symptoms and safe next steps.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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