Complications of Constipation

Complications list for Constipation:

The list of complications that have been mentioned in various sources for Constipation includes:

• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fissure
• Diarrhea
• Fecal incontinence
• Rectal bleeding
• Rectal prolapse
• Rectal hernia (type of Hernia)
• Fecal impaction
• Uterine hernia
• Uterine prolapse

See also the symptoms of Constipation and Constipation: Introduction.

Complications and sequelae of Constipation from the Diseases Database include:

• Urobilinogen levels raised (urine)
• Megacolon
• Urine indicans raised
• Abdominal mass
• Abdominal pain

See also the symptoms of Constipation and Constipation: Introduction.

Complications of Constipation:

Sometimes constipation can lead to complications. These complications include hemorrhoids caused by straining to have a bowel movement or anal fissures (tears in the skin around the anus) caused when hard stool stretches the sphincter muscle. As a result, rectal bleeding may occur that appears as bright red streaks on the surface of the stool. Treatment for hemorrhoids may include warm tub baths, ice packs, and application of a cream to the affected area. Treatment for anal fissure may include stretching the sphincter muscle or surgical removal of tissue or skin in the affected area.

Sometimes straining causes a small amount of intestinal lining to push out from the anal opening. This condition is known as rectal prolapse and may lead to secretion of mucus from the anus. Usually, eliminating the cause of the prolapse such as straining or coughing is the only treatment necessary. Severe or chronic prolapse requires surgery to strengthen and tighten the anal sphincter muscle or to repair the prolapsed lining.

Constipation may also cause hard stool to pack the intestine and rectum so tightly that the normal pushing action of the colon is not enough to expel the stool. This condition, called fecal impaction, occurs most often in children and older adults. An impaction can be softened with mineral oil taken by mouth and an enema. After softening the impaction, the doctor may break up and remove part of the hardened stool by inserting one or two fingers in the anus. (Source: excerpt from Constipation: NIDDK)

Medical news summaries about complications of Constipation:

The following medical news items are relevant to complications of Constipation:

• Doubts over the real cause of depression
• The depression treatment Cymbalta is not safe for some to use
• More news »

Constipation as a symptom:

For a more detailed analysis of Constipation as a symptom, including causes, drug side effect causes, and drug interaction causes, please see our Symptom Center information for Constipation.

About complications:

Complications of Constipation are secondary conditions, symptoms, or other disorders that are caused by Constipation. In many cases the distinction between symptoms of Constipation and complications of Constipation is unclear or arbitrary.

Search Specialists by State and City