Health Tip: When Constipation Requires a Doctor's Appointment

(HealthDay News) -- While most instances of constipation aren't serious, occasionally, cases of infrequent or difficult bowel movements should be evaluated by a doctor.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this list of warning signs that you should talk to your doctor about constipation:

• You're constipated for the first time or it occurs for you very infrequently.
• You've been treating constipation at home with more fiber, fluids and exercise for at least three weeks, but have no improvement.
• You have abdominal pain.
• You have bloody stools.
• You have unexplained weight loss.