When does constipation warrant a chat with your doctor? It can be hard to decide. Whether it’s the first time you have experienced constipation, or it has become a chronic issue, here’s what you need to know about seeing a doctor for constipation in Maryland.

Defining Constipated

While the general idea is simple, understanding the true definition of constipated can help you determine if you need medical advice or not. According to Mayo Clinic and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, there are more specific symptoms of constipation other than just not being able to have a bowel movement. If you are dealing with any of the following, you are probably constipated:

·        Having poop that is hard, lumpy, or dry

·        Passing fewer than three stools a week

·        Needing to strain to poop

·        Feeling like there is a blockage preventing you from pooping

·        Feeling like there is still leftover poop that you can’t empty no matter how hard you try

·        Needing help to poop, such as pressing on your stomach or using your fingers to remove stool from your rectum

With that being said, these symptoms can range from being no big deal to needs medical attention asap. Doctors usually think of constipation in two ways. Occasional constipation means you experience it here and there. Chronic constipation means you experience at least two of these symptoms for three months or more.

Occasional Constipation

There are things you can do to try and lessen occasional constipation before you seek medical care. These include:

·        Eating enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains should be the first thing you do. These foods contain fiber, which helps you poop.

·        Drinking enough water. Fiber can’t work properly if you aren’t drinking enough water each day, so focus on that as well.

·        Avoiding constipation causing foods. Things like cheese, white rice, and green bananas can cause constipation.

·         Exercise also helps to increase motility in your colon and helps encourage regular bowel movements.

·        Don’t hold your poop. Ignoring your body’s need to defecate can lead to constipation.

When to See a Doctor for Constipation

If you are doing the things above and still struggling with constipation, it is probably time to seek medical care. If you are concerned, or experience the following signs, you should speak to your doctor.

·        People have a normal poop schedule. Some go every day; others go every three days. If you have been outside your normal range for over a week, it’s time to call the doctor.

·        Constipation causes pain. As the poop builds up, it stretches your colon. Even if it has only been a few days, if you are in pain you should give your doctor a call. They may be able to recommend a laxative or stool softener to help you go.

·        Blood on your toilet paper. If you are straining to go, you may cause small tears in the anus, known as an anal fissure, or you may experience hemorrhoids, which are inflamed veins around the anus. Blood in your stool could also be a sign of colon cancer. It’s always best to check in with your doctor and rule out serious conditions.

·        Medication induced constipation. Sometime, your medication may be the cause of your constipation. NSAIDS, some blood pressure medications, allergy drugs, antacids, and iron pills can all cause constipation. If your constipation started around the time you started taking a new medication, you should speak to your doctor.

·        Constipated for Weeks. If you have been constipated for a while and have no idea why, it’s probably time to see your doctor. You may have an underlying condition like IBS that is causing your problem.

Constipation Doctor Maryland

After you speak to your doctor, they will likely order some tests and perform an exam. The results will determine what the next steps are. It could be something as simple as a dietary tweak. However, it is always better to be safe. If you are dealing with constipation, don’t suffer in silence. Contact Bowie Internal Medicine today to schedule an appointment.