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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffAlthough constipation can be extremely bothersome, it usually isn't serious. If it persists, and especially if straining results, you may develop certain complications:
- Hemorrhoids or cracks (fissures) in your anus may result when hard stool stretches the sphincter muscle.
- Fecal impaction occurs when you accumulate a mass of hardened stool that can't be eliminated by a normal bowel movement. You may need to have impacted stool removed manually.
- Rectal prolapse occurs when a small amount of rectal tissue pushes out through the anus. This condition may lead to a secretion of mucus from the anus.
- Lazy bowel syndrome may occur if you use laxatives frequently, causing your bowels to become dependent on them for proper function. Laxative use can also lead to other problems, including poor absorption of vitamins and other nutrients and damage to your intestinal tract.
References
- Constipation. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation/. Accessed Nov. 10, 2008.
- Wald A, et al. Treatment of chronic constipation in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 10, 2008.
- Wald A, et al. Etiology and evaluation of chronic constipation in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 10, 2008.
- Pohl D, et al. Pharmacologic treatment of constipation: What is new? Current Opinion in Pharmacology. 2008;8:724.
- Constipation. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. http://www.fascrs.org/patients/conditions/constipation. Accessed Nov. 10, 2008.
- Constipation. American Gastroenterological Association. http://www.gastro.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=687. Accessed Nov. 10, 2008.
- Bharucha A. Constipation. Best Practice and Research Clinical Gastroenterology. 2007;21:709.
- Patel S, et al. Constipation. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://ww.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/113047217-6/780888909/1389/98.html?printing=true. Accessed Nov. 10, 2008.
- Culbert T, et al. Integrative approaches to childhood constipation and encopresis. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2007;54:927.
