Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Remedy For Severe Constipation
Question: I have been having constipation for a couple years now. Irretable bowel syndrom. I try to take a probiotic but sometimes forget. The last two days I have not been able to have a bowel movement and when I did 3 days ago it was very hard and small like two little rocks. I am extremely unfortable now with muslce cramps and I still cannot go. What would be your recommendation for treatment? I have tried yesterday taking 2 exlax, metamucil, and have had 4 probiotic pills (two yesterday and two today). I still cannot pass a bowel movement.
I just tried to go again and one small hard fecal peace came out with a lot of blood. I had blood soaked on a spot of my tissue.
I just tried to go again and one small hard fecal peace came out with a lot of blood. I had blood soaked on a spot of my tissue.
Brief Answer:
Colonoscopy should be done.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Good intestinal bacteria are only the part of factors necessary for proper bowels function. So taking probiotic does not have to be the solution.
Constipation can be caused by bad diet (low fiber intake), medicines (hypertension mostly), hypothyroidism, chronic bacterial infection or even a lump in the large intestine.
Unfortunately constipation is a risk factor of colon cancer. And the risk of this cancer significantly rises over the age of 50.
That is why, you need a proper diagnostic to find out the reason of chronic constipation.
If you have cramps, nausea, do not pass gasses freely, bowels obstruction can be the case.
I suggest you to consult your doctor. You have already tried home treatment and it seems to be not effective. Abdominal x-ray, abdominal ultrasound, blood work (including thyroid tests) should be done at first. Colonoscopy should be scheduled.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Colonoscopy should be done.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Good intestinal bacteria are only the part of factors necessary for proper bowels function. So taking probiotic does not have to be the solution.
Constipation can be caused by bad diet (low fiber intake), medicines (hypertension mostly), hypothyroidism, chronic bacterial infection or even a lump in the large intestine.
Unfortunately constipation is a risk factor of colon cancer. And the risk of this cancer significantly rises over the age of 50.
That is why, you need a proper diagnostic to find out the reason of chronic constipation.
If you have cramps, nausea, do not pass gasses freely, bowels obstruction can be the case.
I suggest you to consult your doctor. You have already tried home treatment and it seems to be not effective. Abdominal x-ray, abdominal ultrasound, blood work (including thyroid tests) should be done at first. Colonoscopy should be scheduled.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
