New Constipation That Won’t Quit? Causes to Track and When to Call
A reader wrote in saying they have new constipation that just will not let up, and they want to know how long they should wait before calling a doctor.
How long should you wait?
Constipation usually means fewer than three bowel movements a week, hard or lumpy stools, pain or straining when you go, or feeling like you still did not fully empty your bowels.
According to the Mayo Clinic, it is time to make an appointment if constipation lasts longer than three weeks, starts getting in the way of normal daily life, or comes with warning signs like rectal bleeding, black stools, stomach pain that does not stop, or unexplained weight loss.
The Cleveland Clinic states something very similar, adding that new constipation itself is a reason to call a healthcare provider. In simple terms, if it’s new, persistent, or getting worse, get checked.
Common causes to track
Common causes of constipation include a low fiber diet, not drinking enough fluids, not moving enough, and ignoring the urge to go are common triggers.
For example, when a stool moves too slowly through the gut, the colon pulls out too much water, and that leaves the stool dry, hard, and much tougher to pass.
The Cleveland Clinic adds that routine changes, stress, and lots of dairy can also cause constipation.
Additionally, some medicines can slow things down, including opioid pain medicines, some antidepressants, iron pills, antacids with calcium or aluminum, antihistamines, and certain blood pressure medicines.
Therefore, constipation may occur if you’ve recently started a new pain medication, changed your diet, traveled, or got less active than usual.
NCBI states that constipation can be tied to underlying medical issues, including neurologic problems and endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism.
Things to try first
For mild to moderate constipation, the Cleveland Clinic recommends that a few basic steps are often the first move:
- Drink extra water
- Add more fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, prunes, and bran cereal
- Get moving with regular activity
- Never ignore the urge to use the bathroom
- If all else fails, consider over-the-counter fiber supplement, stool softener, or a laxative.
Importantly, laxatives should not be used for more than two weeks without calling your doctor first.
Other symptoms worth tracking
Keep an eye on the details, because they can help explain what is going on. For example, does your constipation come with bloating, nausea, stomach cramps, painful bowel movements, and that nagging feeling that you are still not done.
Additionally, the Mayo Clinic adds if you feel a blocked sensation in the rectum, needing to use a finger to help pass a stool, and unusual changes in stool shape or color as symptoms to look out for.
Finally, NCBI also flags a loss of appetite, straining, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation as clues worth mentioning to your doctor.
If your constipation comes with severe belly pain and vomiting, blood in the stool, black stools, or an inability to pass gas, seek medical care.
More About:Reader Questions