Constipation and abdominal pain can be fairly common when bowel movements are difficult and less frequent. Constipation is medically defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week. Less than one bowel movement per week is considered severe constipation.
If your constipation and abdominal pain last longer than two weeks, you should see a medical professional immediately.
Treatment for Stomach Pain and Constipation
Some lifestyle and dietary causes of constipation may include:
- Taking antacid medicines made with calcium or aluminum
- Abrupt changes to diet or exercise activities
- Eating too much dairy
- Physical inactivity
- Insufficient water or fiber in diet
- Overuse of laxatives
- Stress
Constipation and abdominal pain that results from these causes can usually be relieved by making appropriate adjustments to diet and daily activity levels:
- Drink plenty of water- at least two to four glasses a day.
- Drink warm beverages, especially in the morning.
- Add fruits, vegetables, prunes, and bran cereal to your diet.
- Use a mild stool softener or laxative.
Causes of Constipation and Abdominal Discomfort
Sometimes, constipation results from illnesses or conditions that require attention from a medical professional:
- Colon cancer
- Eating disorders
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
- Pregnancy
- Nerve and muscle disorders in the digestive system
- Taking medications like antidepressants, iron pills, and narcotics
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Tumors in the colon
You should consult with a healthcare provider if your constipation is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, cramps, nausea, or vomiting. These may be signs of serious medical condition. You should also seek immediate medical attention if your constipation came on suddenly (acute constipation) or for no discernable reason.
Constipation and Pain Relief at FastMed Urgent Care
If dietary and lifestyle changes don’t relieve your constipation, or if you have severe abdominal pain with your constipation, you should seek medical attention right away.
FastMed Urgent Care is ready for you when you need medical attention fast. Our locations offer extended weekday hours and are open on the weekends. Our state-of-the-art facilities are staffed with highly-qualified medical professionals and have the latest diagnostic equipment, so you can get the answers you need, typically in less than an hour.
Stop by your local FastMed Urgent Care if you suffer from constipation with abdominal pain. Explore our FAQ page and check out what patients like Kim R. have to say about FastMed Urgent Care: “Being sick stinks, but my experience at the urgent care clinic was top notch. ALL of the staff were kind, helpful, and good listeners. The medical center was much more attractive than the typical walk-in clinic and the service was amazing. If I had to feel bad enough to see a family doctor, at least I was fortunate to have a clinic like this one nearby. Thank you!!!”
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Sources:
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-constipation
MedicineNet: http://www.medicinenet.com/constipation/page2.htm