If you have a hard stool, dry bowel movements, or going fewer than three times a week, it means you have constipation. Severe constipation symptoms are dangerous for health.
What are the symptoms of severe constipation ?
Signs and symptoms of severe constipation in adults are:
- Going fewer than three stools a week
- Having hard or lumpy stools.
- Straining to have bowel movements.
- Feeling as though there is a blockage in the rectum that prevents bowel movements.
- You feel as though you can not empty the stool from the rectum.
A lot of people affected by severe constipation choose to self-treat like changing their diets, increasing exercise, or using laxatives.
However, laxatives shouldn’t be used for more than two weeks without consulting a doctor. The body can become dependent on them for colon function.
You should talk to your primary care provider if:
- you’re experiencing pain during bowel movements
- you’re losing weight
- you have sudden changes in your bowel movements
- you’ve had severe constipation for more than three weeks
- you have blood in your stool
- you have abdominal pain
- Your doctor will ask questions about the causes of severe constipation symptoms like your diet, medical history, & any medications, etc.
A physical examination may include a rectal exam & blood tests to check your blood count, thyroid function & electrolytes.
In severe constipation symptoms, additional tests may be required to identify the cause of severe constipation symptoms.
Tests for severe constipation symptoms
Tests for severe constipation symptoms are the following:
- Marker study (Colorectal transit study)
- Anorectal function tests
- Defecography (colonoscopy)and
- Barium enema X-rays.
Marker study
It also called a colorectal transit study, is used to test how food is moving through your colon. For this test, you’ll swallow a tablet that contains little markers that will show up on an X-ray.
Numerous abdominal X-rays will be taken over the next few days so the doctor can visualize how the food is moving through your colon & how well your intestinal muscles are working.
You may also ask to eat a diet high in fiber during marker study.
Anorectal Manometry
It tests used to evaluate anal sphincter muscle function. For this test, your physician will insert a thin tube with a balloon tip into your anus.
When the tube is inside, the physician will inflate the balloon & slowly pull it out. This test allows them to measure your anal sphincter’s muscle strength & see if your muscles are contracting correctly.
Barium enema X-ray
It type of test used to examine the colon. For this test, you’ll drink a special liquid at night before the test to clean out the bowel.
The specific test involves the attachment of a dye called barium into your rectum, using a lubricated tube. The barium highlights the rectum & colon area, allowing the physician to view them on an X-ray better.
Colonoscopy
It is another type of test doctors use to examine the colon. In this test, your physician will examine your colon using a tube that outfitted with a camera & light source that is called colonoscopy.
A sedative & pain killer medication often used, so you’ll likely not even remember the examination & should feel no pain.
To prepare for this test for severe constipation symptoms, you’ll be on a liquid-only diet for one to three days, & you may have to take a laxative or enema the night before the test to clean out the bowel.
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