Everyone experiences constipation at some point or another, and there can be different causes for it. That doesn’t mean it’ll always just go away or that you shouldn’t take it seriously, though. There could be times when your constipation needs medical attention.
As the National Institute of Health (NIH) notes, 16% of adult Americans experience constipation every year. Most of these people will see it pass without any issue. But there are also the times when you should see a doctor quickly.
Some signs should be taken seriously.
Signs Your Constipation Could Need Medical Attention
1. Lasting Several Weeks
Constipation can usually be cleared up in a few days, especially if you use over-the-counter medication to help get through it. As Johns Hopkins notes, extended constipation is normally a sign of a more serious issue at play, with the constipation being more of a symptom than just a minor problem.
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Then there’s chronic constipation, which can last for more than three months with brief times when you don’t experience it. See a professional quickly if this happens.
2. Bloody Stool
Bloody stool or blood on your toilet paper after you wipe is one of the more concerning signs your constipation needs medical attention. The constipation could cause anal fissures or hemorrhoids when you’ve been pushing a little too hard. There could be other reasons for bloody stool, but it’s a strong reason to seek medical attention when you’re constipated.
Outside of bloody stool, there can also be a change in your stool’s texture and caliber. If it used to be soft, for example, it could now be noticeably harder.
3. Having a Lot of Abdominal Pain
Constipation usually comes with some minor cramps, and this doesn’t normally mean you’ll need medical attention now. But, constant major pain is different. It’s a sign your constipation needs medical attention as quickly as possible. The sooner, the better with this. The pain often gets worse.
4. Family History of Colorectal Cancer
A family history of colorectal cancer and similar conditions is one of the more common red flags to focus on. The more family members who have been diagnosed with the condition, the more likely it is you could develop it, too.
5. Onset After 50
Developing constipation after 50, especially for what might be the first severe time you’ve had it, is concerning. It indicates there’s a noticeable change in your digestive system. Seeing a doctor quickly is recommended.
6. Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexplained and unintentional weight loss is usually a sign you need medical attention, but that’s especially true when coupled with constipation. The Mayo Clinic specifically highlights how important it is you see a medical professional when you experience both.
It’s not always serious. Add in the constipation, and it’s even more concerning.
Get Medical Attention for Your Constipation When You Need It
Constipation doesn’t normally need medical attention. But persistent constipation with any of these signs shouldn’t be dismissed. A great rule of thumb is looking for changes from your normal bathroom habits and seeing how long they last and whether there are any other symptoms alongside it.
Constipation itself is a common issue across the country. Studies highlight exactly how common it is, with 1.3 million visits to the doctor being reported in 2017 alone, an increase from the year before.
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When you see the signs above, get medical attention immediately.
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