You know those moments when you’re just going about your day, thinking about work, what to have for dinner, or which show to binge-watch next? All seems normal until suddenly, your stomach starts sending out distress signals like it’s trying to communicate in Morse code.
You’re not quite sure what’s going on, but something tells you that your digestive system has decided to go on strike.
Yep, we’re talking about that unglamorous but oh-so-relatable topic: constipation. And guess what? Sometimes, it can escalate from a minor inconvenience to a full-blown emergency.
Don’t worry. We’ve all been there, desperately checking the clock and wondering, “Is this really happening right now?”
Signs to Watch and What They Mean
When you’re dealing with constipation, it might not be a big deal at first. People with constipation might find themselves having less than three bowel movements in a week. It’s pretty common and not usually a cause for alarm. Tweaking your habits and trying out some meds can help with the mild cases. Signs of this include:
- Having three or fewer bowel movements in a week.
- Experiencing dry, hard, or lumpy stool.
- Finding it tough or painful when you try to go.
- Feeling like you can’t completely empty your bowels.
But wait, there are times when constipation takes a serious turn into emergency territory. Here’s what to look out for:
- Dark Stool or Blood in Your Poop
If your stool is dark or even has blood in it, it could be a sign of something serious. A dark stool can mean bleeding higher up in your digestive system. Bright red blood, on the other hand, might point to bleeding lower down.
Bleeding can happen for lots of reasons – like inflammation in your bowels, a tear in your intestines, an ulcer that’s bleeding, or even a possible sign of bowel cancer.
Sometimes, things like eating blueberries licorice or taking iron tablets can cause dark stool. But if you see blood in your poop or you’re bleeding from your rear end, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor ASAP.
Hemorrhoids, which are like swollen blood vessels around your butt, can also bleed a little. That’s not too worrisome. But if you’re losing a lot of bright red blood in your stool, that’s a definite emergency. It could mean there’s a damaged part of your intestines that needs immediate attention.
- When Your Belly Hurts Bad
If you’re dealing with intense belly pain and constipation, it could be a sign of some serious stuff. Here are a couple of examples:
- Appendicitis: Your appendix might be inflamed or even infected. This can lead to a lack of appetite, fever, and severe pain in your lower right belly.
- Diverticulitis: Little pouches in your intestines can get infected or inflamed. You might feel sick, throw up, have a fever, and experience worse pain in the lower left part of your belly.
- Strangulated Hernia: A hernia can get stuck and cause pain and firmness in the area. It could also get strangulated, which messes with blood flow, leads to constipation, and makes your belly hurt big time. That’s a “call 911” situation.
Don’t brush off severe belly pain if it’s hanging out with your constipation. Get to a doctor pronto if you have both of these going on.
- Throwing Up Poop or Bile
Yep, you read that right. If you’re puking up poop or bile, it’s a sign that something’s really wrong in your gut. The vomit might smell like poop and be a weird brown-purple color, or it could be greenish-yellow if it’s bile.
This is serious stuff. You need to get your stomach decompressed, which means getting stuff out of there. Doctors might use a tube through your nose to suck out stomach contents and release trapped air that’s making things worse.
- Fecal Blockage
When constipation hangs around for a long time, it can turn into fecal impaction. This means your stool gets stuck and blocks anything else from getting through. You might feel the urge to go, but nothing happens.
This can lead to pain and even throwing up. Sometimes, you might need urgent care or even a hospital stay to fix it.
Some folks are more at risk for this, especially if they’re taking certain meds or dealing with dehydration. Using laxatives can also increase the risk.
To fix this, a doctor might need to remove the blockage manually. After that, things should start moving again like they’re supposed to.
- Not Enough Bathroom Trips
Generally, doctors say that going to the bathroom less than three times a week is constipation. If you’re having even fewer trips than that, it’s not a great sign.
When you’re eating regularly but not going, your stool can build up. Sometimes, this is due to issues in your intestines like scars or even a tumor pressing on things, leaving no room for stuff to pass. This is called a bowel obstruction.
Obstructions can happen anywhere in your intestines, and they’re emergencies. If stool piles up, your intestines could burst, and that’s really dangerous.
What To Do
If you’re dealing with constipation a lot, it’s a good idea to talk to your regular doctor. Even if you don’t think it’s an emergency, they can help you find the best ways to treat it. They might suggest stuff you can buy without a prescription, like laxatives or things that make your stool softer. Or, they might give you a prescription for something stronger.
Making some changes in your daily life can also make a big difference. These changes can help with the symptoms of constipation and stop it from getting worse. Just remember, it might take a while before you see the changes working.
Here are some things you can do:
- Drink enough water: Having light yellow pee means you’re doing a good job at staying hydrated.
- Eat foods with lots of fiber: Fruits, veggies, and whole grains are great for this. They add “bulk” to your stool and soak up water, which makes it easier to go.
- Stay active: Moving your body regularly can help keep your intestines moving, too.
- Say no to smoking: If you smoke, quitting can lower your chances of constipation.
- Learn more: You can find out about natural ways to deal with constipation and what foods are good for it.
Just to wrap things up, remember that constipation could sometimes mean something more serious. So, if you’re worried about how your bathroom trips are going, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.
And if you’re dealing with constipation all the time, don’t hesitate to chat with your regular doctor. They can make sure you’re getting the right care and stop things from getting worse.