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I Have Been Having Issues With Constipation For A Few
Question: I have been having issues with constipation for a few weeks. Have tried stool softeners, OTC colon cleanse and Fleets enema. Some relief. I also have a sick, nauseated stomach that is painful at times but then goes away for a bit. Last night I also noticed chills at bed time. I have a bad taste/ smell on my breath. My nerves are shot, (maybe due to too much time researching these symptoms) and I’ve taken 1/2 a .25 zanex before posting this to try to calm down. I’m reluctant to want to eat anything due to the constant feeling of having to go the bathroom but knowing nothing happens except more hemorrhoid pressure. My nerves are shot with worry and I do not have a PCP. I am a 61 year old female. Not sure which type of physician to see.
Brief Answer:
most cases not due to serious causes
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
Nausea and pain can sometimes occur as a consequence of severe constipation in some persons.
Though the over counter meds can help somewhat with constipation, if they are used too often or too much, they can prevent the bowel from working on its own, they start to need these meds to have a bowel movement.
It would be best to use fluids , add a lot of fiber and activity- to help with bowel movements.
At least 5 servings of fiber should be used daily- this means a serving of fruit or vegetables can be taken with each main meal or snack and a fiber supplement can also be used as well (eg metamucil or benefiber etc)
Chills and a change in taste can be due to a mild viral infection , in most cases, viral infections last 1 to 2 weeks, if the symptoms are lasting longer or worsening, then you can be assessed by a doctor. Chills usually accompany a fever, so you should try and document your temperature when they are present
Since you do not have a primary care doctor, this may mean an emergency visit unless you can get an appointment with a GP in your area.
In most persons, this combination of symptoms, is not due to a life threatening condition but you can be assessed to determine the if a viral infection is present and the best course of action
In many cases, the use of fluids and paracetamol or ibuprofen (for the chills)- is helpful to reducing symptoms
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
most cases not due to serious causes
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
Nausea and pain can sometimes occur as a consequence of severe constipation in some persons.
Though the over counter meds can help somewhat with constipation, if they are used too often or too much, they can prevent the bowel from working on its own, they start to need these meds to have a bowel movement.
It would be best to use fluids , add a lot of fiber and activity- to help with bowel movements.
At least 5 servings of fiber should be used daily- this means a serving of fruit or vegetables can be taken with each main meal or snack and a fiber supplement can also be used as well (eg metamucil or benefiber etc)
Chills and a change in taste can be due to a mild viral infection , in most cases, viral infections last 1 to 2 weeks, if the symptoms are lasting longer or worsening, then you can be assessed by a doctor. Chills usually accompany a fever, so you should try and document your temperature when they are present
Since you do not have a primary care doctor, this may mean an emergency visit unless you can get an appointment with a GP in your area.
In most persons, this combination of symptoms, is not due to a life threatening condition but you can be assessed to determine the if a viral infection is present and the best course of action
In many cases, the use of fluids and paracetamol or ibuprofen (for the chills)- is helpful to reducing symptoms
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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