Constipation, Age 12 And Older: Check Your Symptoms

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Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Abdominal pain: Go to the topic Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older.
• Vomiting: Go to the topic Nausea and Vomiting, Age 4 and Older.
• Fever: Go to the topic Fever, Age 4 and Older.

Yes

Are your stools black or bloody?

Yes

Have you had leakage of stool from your rectum (fecal incontinence)?

Yes

Do you think your constipation may be caused by physical or sexual abuse?

Yes

Do you have rectal pain?

Yes

Do you think that your constipation may be caused by a medicine?

Yes

Do you have new constipation?

Yes

Do you have chronic constipation?

Yes

Are you unable to have bowel movements without using laxatives?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Rectal problems: Go to the topic Rectal Problems.
• Constipation after delivery: Go to the topic Problems After Delivery of Your Baby.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

Last updated:	October 10, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Brian D. O'Brien, MD - Internal Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer