Constipation and inability to pass gas for 3 days - #15846
“I haven’t had a proper bowel movement for the past 3 days, and I am also unable to pass gas normally. I have only been able to pass a very small amount of stool. I do not have severe abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, or swelling, but I feel some bloating and discomfort. I am concerned about is this serious ?
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Doctors’ responses
Hello,
Right now, your symptoms suggest constipation, not a clear emergency. 🛑🛑🛑1.Hydrate yourself -Drink plenty of warm water 2. Walk 10–20 minutes a few times a day.
3. laxative- Polyethylene glycol (PEG 3350 / Miralax): 1 capful in water daily 4. Stool softener- Docusate sodium can help if stool is hard. 5. Avoid high fiber for now
Once gas moves and your stomach feels less tight, you can slowly add: Oats Fruits like prunes/kiwi/pear Vegetables and whole grains
6. Toilet positioning-Use a small footstool and lean forward.
If you still can’t pass gas or stool after 24 more hours,please consult your nearest physician/ER/gastroenterologist
Thank you
Hello Ali, thank you for sharing your concern. If you are able to pass even some amount of gas, then you are fine for now. Here is my advise for you to get relief-
1. Drink plenty of oral liquids - 4-5 Litres per day. Eat a high fiber diet - add cucumber, tomatoes, chia seeds to your diet. Avoid spicy, oily foods. Get involved in physical activity like running for at least 15 mins daily, it hels gut motility.
2. Take this prescription - - Syp. Lactulose 15ml at night × 5 days.
3. If you develop abdominal pain, inability to pass gas, fever, vomiting, nausea, fever, hard abdomen, then get a Ultrasound Whole Abdomen done urgently.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Med
Hello Ali By going through your history and evaluation of your health status I must say that nothing to worry at all . I am suggesting you some tips and treatment as follows - Rx - 1)syr. Lactulose 15 ml Two times until you pass normal stool 2))Cap pantop dsr - once daily before breakfast for 7 days 3) drink not too hot not too cold water before stool and drink plenty of water 4) avoid spicy food 5) eat more fibers like fruit and vegetables
Nothing to Worry at all … You will get fine soon .
Thank you
Hello dear See as per your clinical history it seems severe constipation I suggest you to please follow below precautions and medication for relief Take laxatives like curd or yoghurt Febrex plus medication once a day for 2-3 days after meals Take abundance of fibres like cucumber and carrot Avoid junk food Take adequate water intake 6-8 glasses per day Lastly consume fruits like strawberry, banana,kiwi or pear for normal metabolic activity . In case of no improvement in 3 -4 days, Consult general physician medicine for better clarity Hopefully you recover soon Regards Hopefully you recover
RX 1) peg fibre powder 1 scoop in luke warm water at night 2) syr. Lactulose 15 ml Two times until you pass normal stool 3) Tab simethicone 80 mg Twice daily only if no bowel movement after peg or lactulose
If you can’t pass gas normally and your stools have become very minimal, it may just be constipation, but these symptoms can also be an early sign of bowel obstruction, even without severe pain. Since it has already been 3 days with reduced stool and gas, you should see a doctor urgently to rule out anything serious.
Until you get checked, avoid heavy meals and seek immediate evaluation by a gastroenterologist or in an emergency department if the bloating worsens, pain increases, or you start vomiting.
What you’re experiencing could be a case of constipation, which is quite common, particularly if your diet has been low in fiber or you’ve been dehydrating drugs. However, the inability to pass gas or stool altogether might raise a red flag for a condition like a bowel obstruction which could be serious. In your case, since there’s no severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or other acute symptoms, it might not be an emergency, but it’s still worth addressing sooner rather than later. Here are some steps you can safely try at home to relieve the constipation: Increase your intake of dietary fiber by consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Aim for about 25-30 grams of fiber daily. Make sure you’re drinking enough fluids—often water and herbal teas can help while avoiding excessive caffeine or alcohol, which can dehydrate. Consider over-the-counter remedies like osmotic laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol), which can draw water into your bowels and help move things along. However, it’s crucial to use them as directed, usually not for more than a few days without discussing with a doctor. Gentle physical activity, such as walking, can also stimulate bowel function. If these suggestions don’t result in improvement within a couple of days, or if new symptoms arise like severe pain, vomiting, or visible abdominal distension, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. In rare cases, persistent symptoms or changes in bowel habits might indicate an underlying condition that needs further evaluation through a healthcare provider. Avoid any “quick-fix” that promises immediate relief, as it may not address the underlying issue and could potentially worsen it.
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