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When constipation becomes a medical problem

Severe constipation is different from occasional constipation. It can interfere with daily life and cause abdominal pain and discomfort. This colorectal condition often requires evaluation from a constipation doctor in Houston, TX.

Chronic constipation occurs when two or more of these symptoms appear for at least 3 months:

  • Fewer than 3 bowel movements per week

  • Stools that are hard, dry, or lumpy

  • Straining or pain during defecation

  • Feeling like the rectum is blocked or the bowel movement is incomplete

  • Using a finger to help have a bowel movement

Sometimes, diet and lifestyle changes alone can improve chronic constipation. However, other causes of severe constipation need medical treatment. As a result, it is wise to visit Houston Colon to determine the cause of the problem.

Causes of severe constipation

Patients with chronic constipation don’t always have a medical issue. They may only need to make dietary and lifestyle changes. Others may have a problem that needs severe constipation treatment in Houston, TX.

A diagnosis is needed to determine the best course of action. Our colorectal surgeons will assess patients for the following causes of severe constipation:

  • Structural causes, including rectal prolapse, obstructions, rectocele, or stricture
  • Functional causes like colonic inertia (slow transit) or pelvic floor dysfunction, which can lead to fecal incontinence in other patient
  • Colorectal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

  • Certain medications to treat pain, high blood pressure, seizures, depression, or allergies

  • Metabolic conditions like diabetes or thyroid conditions

  • Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease

Diagnostic evaluation

Our severe constipation surgeons in Houston, TX, use several tools to diagnose this condition. They start by taking a patient’s medical history. Often, they will also perform a physical exam of the abdomen and anorectal area.

Our specialists may also use the following techniques to make an accurate diagnosis:

01
Colonoscopy to rule out structural causes of constipation
02
Anorectal manometry to determine how the anal muscles are working
03
Colon transit study to see how quickly or slowly food waste travels through the colon
04
Defecography uses X-ray or MRI images to see how the rectum and anus work during defecation

Treatment options

From colonic inertia to outlet obstruction, Houston Colon can treat the causes of chronic constipation. Our dual board-certified colorectal surgeons offer minimally invasive treatment for severe constipation in Houston, TX.

Treatment will depend on the cause of chronic constipation. Whenever possible, we start with diet and lifestyle changes. If those measures aren’t enough to treat the problem, our fellowship-trained surgeons can recommend other treatments.

Here are some of the most common treatment options for constipation:

  • Lifestyle changes, including increasing dietary fiber, drinking more water, and adding osmotic laxatives

  • Biofeedback therapy to treat constipation due to pelvic floor dysfunction

  • Botulinum toxin (Botox) to treat dyssynergia (sphincter muscles that can’t relax)

  • Minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic procedures to treat conditions that cause severe constipation

For those who require surgery, all Houston Colon surgeons are dual board-certified and have received advanced fellowship surgical training.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, when lifestyle modifications and other treatments fail, severe constipation may require surgery. This is also true when structural issues like obstruction or prolapse are causing severe constipation. It may also be required in emergencies.
Colonic inertia is a severe type of constipation. This problem occurs when the large intestine’s muscles and nerves are damaged or sluggish. It can result in extremely slow or non-existent movement of waste.
You should see a physician for constipation when it lasts for longer than 3 weeks. You should also schedule a visit if you notice bleeding or constant stomach pain.

Schedule a private consultation

When constipation is severe, it’s important to get the right treatment in Houston, TX. Houston Colon’s chronic constipation specialists can identify the cause of the problem and recommend evidence-based treatments. 

Call (713) 832-8888 or request an appointment online by contacting us. 

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