Constipation and Impaction

When To Call A Professional

Call your doctor immediately if your bowel movements stop and you develop abdominal pain or distention. Also contact your doctor immediately if you have any bleeding from your rectum.

Call your doctor for milder symptoms if you want advice, or if constipation continues for longer than a couple of weeks, or if you need laxatives more than two or three times per week to help you move your bowels.

Prognosis

Most people with constipation can achieve normal bowel function through diet and lifestyle changes.

The outlook for most people with fecal impaction is good. However, it is common for fecal impaction to return if constipation is not improved with additional treatment. A long-term program of mild laxatives, periodic enemas or both may be necessary.

Additional Info

National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Disorders Office of Communications and Public Liaison Building 31, Room 9A04 31 Center Drive, MSC 2560 Bethesda, MD 20892-2560 Phone: (301) 496-4000 E-Mail: niddk_inquiries@nih.gov http://www.niddk.nih.gov/

American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) P.O. Box 3099 Arlington, VA 22302 http://www.acg.gi.org/

American Gastroenterological Association 4930 Del Ray Ave. Bethesda, MD 20814 Phone: (301) 654-2055 Fax: (301) 654-5920 http://www.gastro.org/