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What Causes Severe Constipation, Abdominal Pain And Blood In Stool?
Question: Hi,
I'm 2 days into constipation, cramps, a tender abdomen. Discharge at the onset had feces, some blood, and is for two days only a clear discharge with a little gas. I take over the counter antacids regularly, and since this bout, I've first taken one dose of some Pepto, next day (last night) one dose of Milk of Magnesia, and a stool softener an hour ago. Cramps come and go, and are relieved somewhat when there is that frequent light discharge. I'd been traveling the two days before this began, eating irregularly behind the wheel. I've suspected IBS at other times in my life, but it is not diagnosed. Could food poisoning be the culprit without diarrhea, or does this indicate something more involved?
I'm 2 days into constipation, cramps, a tender abdomen. Discharge at the onset had feces, some blood, and is for two days only a clear discharge with a little gas. I take over the counter antacids regularly, and since this bout, I've first taken one dose of some Pepto, next day (last night) one dose of Milk of Magnesia, and a stool softener an hour ago. Cramps come and go, and are relieved somewhat when there is that frequent light discharge. I'd been traveling the two days before this began, eating irregularly behind the wheel. I've suspected IBS at other times in my life, but it is not diagnosed. Could food poisoning be the culprit without diarrhea, or does this indicate something more involved?
Brief Answer:
Take fluids and some fiber supplements- some tests recommended
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM.
I carefully read your question and understand your concern.
Being in a trip recently and not being able to have healthy food puts you in a high risk for food poisoning, viral gastroenteritis, traveller's diarrhea and sometimes risk for certain parasite infection and bacterial infections of the bowel.
Most of the diseases mentioned above, the body can fight in a few days and you should be better in 3-5 days and rarely reach beyond 7 days.
What you have to do meanwhile is drink plenty of mineral water, avoid junk food and have fruits and vegetables.
Local warm compresses on the tummy might help with pain and also some Paracetamol(Tylenol).
If you had blood with stools then it might be better to have stool culture and stool examination for ova and parasites and be treated accordingly is they come out positive.
I did not see that you have ever done a colonoscopy. This is an examination recommended in people over 55 years old and I would recommend you to do this test after this acute situation with abdominal cramps and constipation is a bit better.
I would also recommend you to have some fiber in the diet. Psyllium fiber 1-2 doses a day is helpful. i do not know the medication you have used to help with bowel movements but it is not recommended to use senna or bisacodyl often for constipation.
I would also say to be cautious and not touch the food of other people so you do not transmit the infection to them. Wash your hands with warm water and soap after every time you use the toilet.
If despite following these, the abdominal pain/cramp is not getting better or is any worse then you will need to see a doctor.
I hope this answers to your question and is helpful to you. Feel free to ask further
Kind Regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
Take fluids and some fiber supplements- some tests recommended
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM.
I carefully read your question and understand your concern.
Being in a trip recently and not being able to have healthy food puts you in a high risk for food poisoning, viral gastroenteritis, traveller's diarrhea and sometimes risk for certain parasite infection and bacterial infections of the bowel.
Most of the diseases mentioned above, the body can fight in a few days and you should be better in 3-5 days and rarely reach beyond 7 days.
What you have to do meanwhile is drink plenty of mineral water, avoid junk food and have fruits and vegetables.
Local warm compresses on the tummy might help with pain and also some Paracetamol(Tylenol).
If you had blood with stools then it might be better to have stool culture and stool examination for ova and parasites and be treated accordingly is they come out positive.
I did not see that you have ever done a colonoscopy. This is an examination recommended in people over 55 years old and I would recommend you to do this test after this acute situation with abdominal cramps and constipation is a bit better.
I would also recommend you to have some fiber in the diet. Psyllium fiber 1-2 doses a day is helpful. i do not know the medication you have used to help with bowel movements but it is not recommended to use senna or bisacodyl often for constipation.
I would also say to be cautious and not touch the food of other people so you do not transmit the infection to them. Wash your hands with warm water and soap after every time you use the toilet.
If despite following these, the abdominal pain/cramp is not getting better or is any worse then you will need to see a doctor.
I hope this answers to your question and is helpful to you. Feel free to ask further
Kind Regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you for your response Dr. Zotaj.
You are a compassionate person amid an unsavory topic of discussion with a stranger..
If I close this discussion now, but have further questions, I would have to repeat the discussion again with another Dr.? I see the countdown clock below your answer. It is my first time using this service..
The stool softener I used was Docusate Sodium. It is a CVS brand of stool softener. I've begun with dietary fiber also.
Thank you again,
XXXX
You are a compassionate person amid an unsavory topic of discussion with a stranger..
If I close this discussion now, but have further questions, I would have to repeat the discussion again with another Dr.? I see the countdown clock below your answer. It is my first time using this service..
The stool softener I used was Docusate Sodium. It is a CVS brand of stool softener. I've begun with dietary fiber also.
Thank you again,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Docusate should be used randomly- there are other safer medications
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
Docusate helps with bowel movements and can be used randomly to cause an emptying of the bowel but is not recommended to be taken regularly as it causes bowel dependance with chronic use. We prefer it generally if we need a quick bowel emptying like before surgeries when we need to bowel to be "totally clean". Otherwise we do not prescribe it routinely.
To help with your stools long term to be softer but not cause the risk of dependance to medication then fiber supplements and lactulose syrup are better options as you might use them daily for weeks to months and not cause any problems to your bowel.
I thing if this question is closed you will need to ask a new question from the begining if you have more questions and I think you have the option of choosing the doctor you prefer by specifying the name of the doctor.
I would be glad to help with your questions in the future if you have a need and would like me to answer.
Kind regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
Docusate should be used randomly- there are other safer medications
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
Docusate helps with bowel movements and can be used randomly to cause an emptying of the bowel but is not recommended to be taken regularly as it causes bowel dependance with chronic use. We prefer it generally if we need a quick bowel emptying like before surgeries when we need to bowel to be "totally clean". Otherwise we do not prescribe it routinely.
To help with your stools long term to be softer but not cause the risk of dependance to medication then fiber supplements and lactulose syrup are better options as you might use them daily for weeks to months and not cause any problems to your bowel.
I thing if this question is closed you will need to ask a new question from the begining if you have more questions and I think you have the option of choosing the doctor you prefer by specifying the name of the doctor.
I would be glad to help with your questions in the future if you have a need and would like me to answer.
Kind regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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