Constipation, Age 12 and Older
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Have you had leakage of stool from your rectum (fecal incontinence)?
See significance of fecal incontinence 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 Have you suddenly lost the ability to control your bowels?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Do you have new fecal incontinence that does not appear to be caused by difficulty cleaning the rectal area?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Have you had fecal incontinence for longer than 2 weeks despite 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.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: December 14, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology | |
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