
Suggest Treatment For Severe Constipation

Question: I have severe constipation - is it better to treat it at home or go to the er
Brief Answer:
Questions for you to help me answer you better.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
Whether to go to the ER or continue to try to treat it at home depends on a few things:
Are you in a lot of discomfort?
How many days has it been since you last had a bowel movement?
Have you tried an enema, and would you be able to do this yourself, or would you need help?
Questions for you to help me answer you better.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
Whether to go to the ER or continue to try to treat it at home depends on a few things:
Are you in a lot of discomfort?
How many days has it been since you last had a bowel movement?
Have you tried an enema, and would you be able to do this yourself, or would you need help?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


I have a little discomfort
One week since last bowel movement
Have not tried an enema, would have trouble doing the cleanup
One week since last bowel movement
Have not tried an enema, would have trouble doing the cleanup
Brief Answer:
Go to ER or urgent care clinic.
Detailed Answer:
I am sorry I was not able to get back to you sooner.
If it has been one week, and it would be difficult for you to administer an enema to yourself, it would be best for you to go in to the ER for help.
Metamucil and other bulk formers are good for helping people keep regular, but when you haven't gone for a week, they may just add to the difficulty. Stool softeners are best at this point, and given that it's been a week, enemas might be best. The doctor in the ER may also need to assist with manual disimpaction if the stool is impacted.
I hope this information helps and that you are feeling better shortly.
Go to ER or urgent care clinic.
Detailed Answer:
I am sorry I was not able to get back to you sooner.
If it has been one week, and it would be difficult for you to administer an enema to yourself, it would be best for you to go in to the ER for help.
Metamucil and other bulk formers are good for helping people keep regular, but when you haven't gone for a week, they may just add to the difficulty. Stool softeners are best at this point, and given that it's been a week, enemas might be best. The doctor in the ER may also need to assist with manual disimpaction if the stool is impacted.
I hope this information helps and that you are feeling better shortly.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

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