Constipation, Age 12 and Older
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
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.
| 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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