Severe Constipation Symptoms: 7 Alarming Signs

At Liv Hospital, we know that severe constipation is a serious issue. It means you have hard and infrequent bowel movements. Usually, this happens when you go to the bathroom less than 3 times a week.

Constipation is when you go to the bathroom less than 3 times a week. It can also mean hard or lumpy stools. If you find yourself straining a lot or feeling like you didn’t empty your bowels fully, you might need to see a doctor.

It’s important to know what constipation is and its warning signs. We’ll guide you on how to spot the causes and symptoms of this condition.

Key Takeaways

• Severe constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficult stool passage.
• Passing fewer than three stools a week is a common indicator of constipation.
• Hard or lumpy stools and significant straining are symptoms that require medical attention.
• Feelings of incomplete evacuation can be a sign of underlying constipation issues.
• Early intervention is key to managing constipation effectively.

Understanding Constipation: Definition and Overview

It’s important to know about constipation to understand its impact. Constipation is a common problem that affects people differently.

Everyone’s bowel movements are unique. Some go three times a day, while others go three times a week. A normal bowel movement is one that is regular and easy to pass.

Normal Bowel Movement Patterns

Bowel movements are normal if they happen regularly and are easy to pass. Normal stool is soft, yet formed, not too hard or too loose.

Bowel Movement Frequency	Stool Consistency	Considered Normal
3 times a day to 3 times a week	Soft, yet formed	Yes
Less than 3 times a week	Hard or lumpy	No
More than 3 times a day	Loose or watery	No

When Constipation Becomes Severe

Constipation is severe when it really affects your life. Severe constipation means hard time passing stools or feeling like you didn’t empty your bowels fully.

Symptoms of severe constipation include:

• Having fewer than three bowel movements per week
• Passing hard, dry, or lumpy stools
• Experiencing straining or pain during bowel movements
• Feeling bloated or uncomfortable

Knowing these symptoms is the first step to getting help and managing constipation.

Prevalence and Epidemiology of Severe Constipation

It’s key to know about severe constipation to manage it well. We look at how common it is, who gets it most, and trends in chronic constipation.

Statistical Data in the United States

Medical studies say 9 to 20 percent of adults in the U.S. have chronic constipation. This range comes from different ways to define constipation and who’s studied. It shows constipation is common, and it gets more common with age.

Demographics Most Affected

Some groups get constipation more often. Women are more likely to get it than men. Older adults also get it more. People with lower income and those who move less are at higher risk too.

Chronic Constipation Trends

Chronic constipation is becoming a bigger issue. As people get older, constipation will likely get more common. Diet and exercise habits also play a big part in getting constipation. More people sitting less and eating differently are linked to more constipation.

Knowing these trends and who’s most affected helps doctors. They can then make plans to help and prevent severe constipation better.

Severe Constipation Symptoms

Severe constipation affects many areas of life. It impacts digestion, physical health, and mental well-being. People with severe constipation often say it greatly lowers their quality of life.

Primary Digestive Symptoms

Primary symptoms of severe constipation include:

• Fewer than three stools per week
• Hard or lumpy stools
• Straining during bowel movements
• A feeling of incomplete evacuation
• Sensation of anorectal blockage

These symptoms are not just a hassle. They can really disrupt daily life and overall health.

Secondary Physical Symptoms

People with severe constipation also face secondary physical symptoms. These can be:

• Bloating and abdominal discomfort
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and loss of appetite

These symptoms add to the discomfort and distress of severe constipation.

Psychological Effects

The mental effects of severe constipation are significant. It can cause:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress related to bowel movements

The emotional impact of severe constipation is as big as the physical symptoms. It affects mental health and overall quality of life.

Rome IV Diagnostic Criteria

The Rome IV criteria help diagnose chronic idiopathic constipation. A patient must have at least two symptoms for three months. These symptoms include:

• Straining during more than 25% of bowel movements
• Lumpy or hard stools in more than 25% of bowel movements
• Sensation of incomplete evacuation for more than 25% of bowel movements
• Sensation of anorectal obstruction/blockage for more than 25% of bowel movements
• Manual maneuvers to facilitate more than 25% of bowel movements
• Fewer than three spontaneous bowel movements per week

Loose stools are rarely present without laxatives. There are not enough criteria for irritable bowel syndrome.

Differentiating Between Mild and Severe Constipation

It’s important to know the difference between mild and severe constipation. This condition affects people in different ways. Knowing how severe it is helps in giving the right care.

The Constipation Assessment Scale

The Constipation Assessment Scale helps measure how bad constipation is. It scores from 0 to 16, with higher scores showing more severe constipation. Scoring 7 to 16 means severe constipation. This helps doctors decide the best treatment.

Symptom Duration and Frequency

How long and how often symptoms last is key. Long-lasting and rare bowel movements mean severe constipation. We look at how often and for how long symptoms occur to judge severity.

Impact on Daily Activities

Constipation’s effect on daily life is also important. Severe constipation makes it hard to do everyday tasks. It lowers quality of life. We check how symptoms affect daily routines to see how severe it is.

Quality of Life Considerations

Quality of life is a big part of assessing constipation. Severe constipation causes discomfort, pain, and emotional issues. It lowers an individual’s quality of life. Understanding how it affects well-being helps tailor treatments.

Common Causes of Severe Constipation

Severe constipation is a complex issue. It’s caused by diet, lifestyle, and medical conditions. Knowing these causes helps in finding the right treatment.

Dietary Factors

Diet is a big factor in constipation. A low-fiber diet can lead to hard, dry stools. Other diet-related issues include:

• Inadequate hydration, leading to hard, dry stools
• Consumption of processed foods that are low in fiber and high in sugar
• Dairy products, which can cause constipation in some individuals

Adequate fiber intake is key to avoiding constipation. Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are high in fiber. It’s important to increase fiber slowly to let your gut adjust.

Lifestyle Contributors

Lifestyle choices also play a role in constipation. These include:

• Physical inactivity, which can slow down bowel movements
• Irregular bowel habits, such as ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
• Travel or changes in routine, which can disrupt bowel habits

Regular exercise can help with bowel movements. We suggest at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily.

Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions can lead to constipation. These include:

• Neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
• Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes
• Gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Medication Side Effects

Some medications can cause constipation. These include:

1. Opioid pain medications, which can slow down bowel movements
2. Certain antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants
3. Calcium channel blockers, used to treat high blood pressure

Talking to a healthcare provider about medications is important if you’re experiencing constipation. They can help adjust your medications to ease symptoms.

Risk Factors for Developing Chronic Constipation

It’s important to know the risk factors for chronic constipation. This condition is influenced by many things, like who you are, how you live, and any health issues you might have.

Age-Related Factors

Age is a big risk factor for chronic constipation. Older people often get constipation because they move less, eat differently, and have other health problems. Also, as we get older, our bowels move slower, which can lead to constipation.

Gender Differences

Gender also affects the risk of chronic constipation. Women are more likely to get constipation than men. Hormonal changes, like during pregnancy or menstruation, might play a part. Women also tend to talk more about their constipation, which could be because they seek more healthcare.

Genetic Predispositions

Genetics can also raise the risk of chronic constipation. Some genetic conditions, like Hirschsprung’s disease, can slow down bowel movement. If your family has a history of constipation, you might be more likely to get it too.

Environmental Influences

Things around us, like what we eat, how active we are, and our social status, can also affect constipation risk. Eating too little fiber and too much processed food can cause constipation. Being inactive and having poor access to healthcare can also increase the risk.

Diagnostic Approaches for Severe Constipation

Diagnosing severe constipation requires a few steps. First, we look at the patient’s medical history and symptoms. Then, we do a physical exam and run some tests.

Medical History and Physical Examination

A detailed medical history is key. We ask about bowel habits and any pain or bleeding. A physical examination checks the abdomen for any issues.

We feel the abdomen for masses or tenderness. A digital rectal exam might be done to check for fecal impaction or other problems.

Laboratory Tests

Laboratory tests help rule out other conditions that might cause constipation. These tests include:

• Blood tests for thyroid function and electrolyte levels.
• Stool tests for occult blood or other issues.

These tests help find causes like hypothyroidism or electrolyte imbalances.

Imaging Studies

Imaging studies help us see what’s causing constipation. These include:

• X-rays for bowel obstructions or structural issues.
• Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy for blockages or tumors.

For chronic constipation, specialized tests are needed. These include:

• Colonic transit studies to check colon function.
• Anorectal manometry for anal sphincter and rectal muscle function.
• Defecography to see how defecation works.

These tests help us understand constipation better and decide on treatment.

Complications of Untreated Severe Constipation

Severe constipation can harm your health and quality of life if not treated. It can cause many problems that affect how you feel and function every day.

Fecal Impaction

Fecal impaction is a serious issue from untreated constipation. It happens when a big, hard stool block gets stuck in the rectum. This can cause a lot of pain and even block the bowel.

Symptoms of fecal impaction include:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Rectal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation or diarrhea

Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures

Straining to pass stool can cause hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins, and fissures are small tears in the anus. Both can be very painful.

“Hemorrhoids and anal fissures are common complications of severe constipation, and their symptoms can be quite debilitating.”

Medical Expert

Rectal Prolapse

Rectal prolapse is another serious issue from untreated constipation. It happens when the rectum falls out of place, causing it to bulge out. This can be embarrassing and painful, and might need surgery.

Ignoring severe constipation can lead to serious health problems. It can cause diverticulitis, a condition where the digestive tract gets inflamed.

Complication	Description	Symptoms
Fecal Impaction	Large, hard mass of stool stuck in the rectum	Severe abdominal pain, rectal pain, nausea, vomiting
Hemorrhoids	Swollen veins in the rectum or anus	Pain, itching, bleeding during bowel movements
Anal Fissures	Small tears in the lining of the anus	Pain, bleeding during bowel movements
Rectal Prolapse	Rectum protrudes out through the anus	Visible prolapse, discomfort, pain

If you have severe constipation symptoms, see a doctor. Early treatment can prevent these problems and improve your health.

Treatment Options for Severe Constipation

Managing severe constipation needs a mix of lifestyle changes and medical help. We’ll look at different ways to ease symptoms and improve bowel movements.

Dietary Modifications

Changing your diet is key in managing severe constipation. Eating more fiber helps soften and bulk up stool, making it easier to pass. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your diet. Start adding these foods slowly to let your gut adjust.

A list of high-fiber foods to include in your diet:

• Fruits: apples, bananas, berries
• Vegetables: broccoli, carrots, leafy greens
• Whole grains: brown rice, quinoa, whole-wheat bread
• Legumes: beans, lentils, chickpeas

Hydration Strategies

Drinking enough water is vital to prevent constipation. It helps soften stool and promotes regular bowel movements. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, more if you’re active or live in a hot climate.

Some tips for staying hydrated:

1. Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up.
2. Keep a water bottle with you all day.
3. Eat hydrating foods like watermelon and cucumbers.

Physical Activity Recommendations

Regular exercise can help stimulate bowel movements and improve digestion. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.

Examples of beneficial physical activities:

• Brisk walking
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Yoga

Over-the-Counter Remedies

For some, lifestyle changes may not be enough. Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies can offer extra relief. Options include fiber supplements, laxatives, and stool softeners.

Always talk to a healthcare professional before trying new medications or supplements. This ensures they’re safe and right for you.

Conclusion: Managing and Preventing Severe Constipation

Managing and preventing severe constipation needs a full plan. This includes changing your lifestyle and sometimes getting medical help. We talked about why constipation matters, how common it is, its signs, causes, and who’s at risk.

To handle constipation well, eat foods high in fibre, drink lots of water, and exercise regularly. These steps are key to a healthy gut.

Preventing constipation means having good bowel habits. Don’t ignore the need to go, and stick to a bowel routine. These habits can lower your chance of severe constipation and make life better.

Being proactive in managing constipation is vital. It helps avoid serious problems and keeps your digestive system healthy.

By making these habits part of your daily life, you can control your bowel health. Managing and preventing constipation is possible with the right diet, staying hydrated, and exercising. This leads to a life free from severe constipation.

FAQ

References:

National Health Service (NHS). Severe Constipation: Definition, Frequency, and Identification. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipation/[4