Is it constipation or something more serious?

If you’re constipated, experiencing some abdominal pain is common. Often, it’s just the result of needing to have a bowel movement, or a buildup of gas. Intense, constant abdominal pain, however, could be an indication of a more serious condition that demands immediate medical attention.

Is diarrhea a serious problem?

Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can be life-threatening if untreated. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems. If you have signs of serious dehydration, seek medical help.

Can constipation cause infection?

Although your colon holds on to stool longer when you are constipated and you may feel uncomfortable, the colon is an expandable container for your waste. There is possibly a slight risk of a bacterial infection if waste gets into an existing wound in the colon or rectum.

Can a virus cause constipation?

Intestinal viral infections called viral gastroenteritis can also temporarily paralyze the stomach (gastroparesis) and lead to vomiting and constipation.

Is it possible to have IBS without constipation or diarrhea?

While it is certainly possible that a person could have IBS without constipation or diarrhea, or any change in bowel habits of any kind, this would be very rare. What might be happening in those cases is that the person’s bowel habit changes are very subtle, and less obvious than those other symptoms, so the changes went unnoticed.

What causes diarrhea and constipation at the same time?

People suffering from mixed irritable bowel syndrome, have both hard pellet like stools more than 25\% of the time and loose watery stools more than 25\% of the time. In ‘alternating irritable bowel syndrome, that pattern shifts between constipation and diarrhea.

What does diarrhea alternating with constipation really mean?

Alternating constipation and diarrhea can indeed be a symptom of colorectal cancer, but there are other more common explanations for these symptoms compared to cancer. Alteration in diet or food intake can change the normal bacterial milieu of the colon which can lead to these symptoms.

Why does constipation cause diarrhea?

Constipation: Infrequent and frequently incomplete bowel movements. Constipation is the opposite of diarrhea and is commonly caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulosis, and medications. Paradoxically, constipation can also be caused by overuse of laxatives.