Extreme Constipation Problems Generally Signal Of Much Larger Issue

Although temporary constipation is an issue that most of us face at least a couple of times every year, we generally don't give the matter much thought beyond taking a laxative or two every now and then. However, when problems with constipation become more frequent and we find ourselves stocking up on laxatives or other bowel cleansing products, there may be cause for concern.

Extreme constipation problems extend beyond the typical infrequent bowel movements and may involve more advanced symptoms, such as:

. Severe pain in abdomen area even when not trying to have a bowel movement
. Lower back pain
. Bloody Stool
. White discharge
. Nausea
. Vomiting
. Loss of appetite

While some of the other symptoms can be explained by a simple fecal impaction and a building pressure upon the abdomen, the bloody stool is a sign of extreme constipation and requires attention immediately. In many cases, the blood can be attributed to a short term case of hemorrhoids or perhaps an anal fissure. However, it is very important to first decide what kind of blood is in the stool.

Blood that is bright red tends to be caused by hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Hemorrhoids are caused by severe straining which leads to blood vessels rupturing in the anal tissue. Anal fissures are another common by-product of extreme constipation because stool will dry and harden when it is not evacuated during a normal bowel movement. That "pain" while passing stool is often caused by dry and hardened feces which can tear anal tissue during a bowel movement.

When blood appears darkened in the stool (or even black), then there has been bleeding internally. In most instances, the source of the blood is a polyp that was ruptured during a bowel movement.

Polyps are benign growths in your colon but they have the potential to become cancerous and grow very large. Hardened feces often ruptures polyps and causes internal bleeding. Sometimes, however, the blood is not associated with constipation at all. In some cases, the blood is caused by colon cancer, the number three cause of all cancer deaths in the United States. Any time bloody constipation appears, you need to make an appointment to see your doctor immediately as it definitely indicates the presence of a larger medical problem.

Sometimes, however, extreme constipation problems do not involve blood but are serious nonetheless. Any time feces accumulates in your body instead of being disposed of during a bowel movement, there is the potential for problems. Extreme constipation problems generally mean that several days has passed between bowel movements. Waste is filled with harmful bacteria and toxins that will enter your blood stream when the stool is not evacuated because of constipation problems.

In cases of extreme constipation where the bacteria continued to multiply because waste continued to accumulate in the colon and large intestines, a condition known as septicemia may develop. In many cases, septicemia is fatal unless a massive injection of antibiotics is administered immediately to combat the harmful bacteria.

Extreme constipation problems, whether they involve blood or a massive infection, are serious cause for concern and require immediate attention.

An ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure the old saying goes. How true this is. Take the time now and learn how to keep your colon in optimal functioning condition. You'll thank yourself later.