Constipation, Age 12 And Older: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Do you have rectal pain?

See significance of rectal pain if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

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

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have severe rectal pain that lasts for at least 30 minutes after passing stool?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have moderate rectal pain that lasts for at least 30 minutes after passing stool?

Yes

Is rectal pain preventing you from having a bowel movement?

Yes

Are you unable to tolerate the discomfort caused by constipation?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had more than one bowel movement that caused mild to moderate rectal pain that lasted longer than 30 minutes in the past 24 hours?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have mild to moderate rectal pain despite 1 week of home treatment?

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
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