Constipation, Age 12 And Older: Check Your Symptoms
When to See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:Are your stools black or bloody?
See significance of black or bloody stools if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
| Note: |
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Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
- Yes
Have you had 1 or more normal-size to large stools that are mostly black or bloody?

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Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
Have you had 1 or more normal-size to large stools that are partly black or bloody?
Have you had 1 or more small stools that are mostly black or bloody?
Have you had streaks of blood in your stools? Note: Streaks of blood in your stools occasionally is not unusual, but talk to your doctor about what to expect.
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Last updated: | October 10, 2008 |
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| 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 |
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