Constipation, Age 12 and Older
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have chronic constipation?
See significance of chronic constipation if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Is constipation causing new problems after 1 week of home treatment?
Yes Is constipation getting worse after 1 week of home treatment?
Yes Do you have new bowel habit changes that have not improved after 2 weeks of home treatment?
Yes Do you have chronic constipation that you have not discussed with your health professional?
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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