When should I go to the emergency room for constipation?

He constipation It is a very common problem that can be punctual or can be extended over time and become a real headache.

It can often be fixed with diet and lifestyle changes. However, in some cases nothing works and a intestinal obstruction requiring urgent medical attention. In this article we tell you when to go to the emergency room for constipation

Discover in this video 10 super effective foods against constipation:

What are the causes of constipation?

It is considered that there constipation when bowel movements occur less frequently or cause more straining than usual. There are different reasons why it can happen and the most common are a low fiber diet, poor hydration and lack of physical exercise.

Constipation can also be due to some disease, the use of some medications (such as antidepressants), pregnancy or stress.

When should I go to the emergency room for constipation?

Although Constipation is generally not a medical emergency. In some cases, if it is prolonged over time, it can cause the stool to accumulate in the intestine, harden and cause a severe intestinal obstruction, something that requires urgent medical attention. Intestinal obstruction can also be due to the presence of polyps or tumors, a hernia, or inflammatory bowel disease, among other factors.

The main symptom of an abdominal obstruction is severe abdominal pain especially on the right side of the abdomen. There may also be persistent cramping, nausea, or vomiting.

If not treated, an intestinal obstruction can lead to intestinal perforation, infection, shock, or even death.

What do they do in the emergency room to resolve constipation?

The first thing is to find out the cause of the symptoms and their severity. To do this, your doctor will likely evaluate the swelling in your abdomen and the pain it causes with a physical exam or abdominal X-ray, as well as ask you questions about How long do you notice the pain, how is your intestinal transit usually, your history of diseases, etc.

If the obstruction is due to a buildup of feces in the colon, you may be given an enema to help remove it. You may also be given oral laxatives.

If the intestinal obstruction is due to a hernia or a tumor, it may be necessary to operate to remove it.

when to go to the doctor for constipation

On the other hand, in some cases, chronic constipation that is not resolved by introducing more fiber and fluids into your diet and doing regular physical activity may indicate that there is a more serious disease and although, Maybe you don’t have to go to the emergency room, you do have to go to the doctor as soon as possible.

These are some of the diseases that can cause constipation:

an inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These are chronic diseases that cause inflammation in the lining of the intestine, which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, or weight loss, among other symptoms.Hypothyroidism, a disease in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Diabetes can also affect intestinal motility and often causes constipation. Colorectal cancer, especially if constipation is accompanied by rectal bleeding, weight loss, or anemia. Multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease of the central nervous system that can affect function intestinal. Parkinson’s disease, which can also affect intestinal motility.