CONSTIPATION

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR CONSTIPATION

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

• You feel weak or very sick
• Vomiting bile (bright yellow or green)
• Vomiting and abdomen is more swollen than usual
• Severe rectal pain not relieved by Sitz bath or glycerine suppository

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

• You think you need to be seen
• Intermittent mild abdominal pain and there is a fever
• Abdomen is more swollen than usual
• Last BM was more than 3 days ago
• Leaking stool

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

• You have other questions or concerns
• Weight loss greater than 10 pounds and not dieting
• Minor bleeding from rectum is a recurrent problem
• Unable to have a BM without using a laxative, suppository, or enema
• Taking new prescription medication
• Constipation is a recurrent problem (i.e. less than 3 BM's / week or straining greater than 25% of the time)

Self Care at Home If

• Mild constipation and you don't think you need to be seen

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

See Other Topics:

• Abdominal Pain, Female
• Abdominal Pain, Male
• Abdominal Pain, Upper
• Vomiting

View Anatomic Index of Topics