Health Tip: When Constipation Requires a Doctor's Appointment

Signs that it may be a serious problem

July 31, 2009 RSS Feed Print

(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.