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Why a visit to the doctor is necessary for constipation
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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If you or your loved ones are bothered by constipation, a visit to the doctor is vital. Why and how can constipation affect the general condition of the body?
Determining the Causes of Constipation
During the survey and examination, the doctor will be able to identify not only intestinal dysfunctions, but also other causes of constipation. For example, neurological causes or, say, psychological problems leading to the impossibility of normal defecation.
In a conversation with a doctor, you will be able to determine these reasons that prevent you from living normally, working and feeling healthy. If the doctor prescribes diagnostic methods that the patient does not really like, do not ignore his advice - this will help to avoid more serious diseases in the future. For example, such as hemorrhoids, hemorrhoidal bleeding and slagging of the body as a result of accumulation of fecal matter in the rectum.
Features of constipation
Most adults experience constipation at some point in their lives or on a regular basis. In most cases, a diagnosis of constipation is not needed by a doctor, and constipation can be treated at home with non-invasive methods. Sometimes, a doctor may periodically consult with you about treatments that will be safe and most effective. This is especially true for younger people who have no previous experience of constipation or digestive problems.
For older adults, or those with a more complex medical history, constipation may be a symptom of a serious underlying condition. In addition, treating the symptoms of constipation requires further evaluation - treating the underlying causes is extremely important.
People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more likely to experience diarrhea than constipation, but people with Crohn's disease (an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract) may also experience constipation. Constipation in Crohn's disease can be caused by infections, immune system problems, or bowel disease.
Which doctor should I see?
If you have constant or periodic constipation, do not postpone a visit to a specialist. This specialist can be a gastroenterologist. This doctor most often sees patients who complain of gastrointestinal diseases, and therefore has extensive experience in dealing with these diseases. After all, constipation can be a consequence of the poor condition of internal organs, and not only the rectum, but also the stomach, kidneys, and esophagus.
Therefore, such a specialist will be able to determine the causes of constipation faster than other doctors and recommend complex treatment. He also has a wealth of knowledge regarding diagnostic methods that should be used for certain complaints about the nature of constipation.
The Importance of Diagnosing Constipation
The first step in diagnosing constipation is for the doctor to learn more from the patient about their digestion, signs and symptoms that the patient is experiencing. Some questions the doctor may ask the patient include the following:
- How often do you experience constipation?
- What is the nature of your stool (e.g., solid or lumpy)?
- Have you ever ignored the urge to have a bowel movement?
- Do you feel tense during bowel movements?
- What is your usual diet?
- Do you experience pain or other unpleasant symptoms before or after bowel movements?
- How often do you exercise?
The doctor may also ask questions about your overall health, such as any medical conditions or history of abdominal surgery. Some questions may seem unrelated to the digestive system, but having a complete picture of your condition can help your doctor determine the cause of your constipation.
Rectal examination
One common test used to diagnose constipation is a digital rectal exam. During this test, the doctor will put on rubber gloves, lubricate the index finger, and insert the finger into the patient's anus. This test is often done quickly to minimize patient discomfort, but this simple trick can tell the doctor a lot about the anus and the health of the anal sphincter.
Additionally, if the doctor finds blood, mucus, or stool in the rectum, that can give some clues as to what is going on inside the rectum. If something is wrong, a colonoscopy may be recommended for further testing to determine exactly what is causing the constipation.
Additional examinations
Other tests used in diagnosing chronic constipation include:
- Blood tests to rule out certain causes of constipation, such as thyroid disease.
- A colon test that shows how long it takes food to move through the intestines.
- Endoscopy, particularly sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy, which use cameras and provide the most complete view of the lower gastrointestinal tract.
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See your doctor if...
- It has been three or more days since your last bowel movement, or two days since you used a laxative
- You found blood in your stool
- You have persistent pain in your abdomen or rectum
- Have you experienced vomiting due to severe constipation?
- Do you experience constipation frequently or regularly?