Houma, LA
A 17-year-old male asked:
Can i die from severe constipation?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Carla L. Kinganswered
Pediatrics 24 years experience
Unlikely: Severe constipation leading to obstruction in the large bowel can lead to death but this is unlikely in a healthy young adult. You are more likely to suffer from abdominal pain or hemorrhoids.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 45-year-old member asked:
Can a person die if they have had severe constipation?
2 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

Dr. Joseph Roosthanswered
Internal Medicine 36 years experience
Rarely: As the primary cause of death, probably uncommon. However, blockage of the colon can lead to many severe chemical abnormalities in the body, the potential for severe nutritional impairment etc. Severe constipation mainly results in great lowering of the quality of one's life. A gastroenterologist is a good person to see, although many pcp's treat this daily.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
What can I do about severe constipation?
7 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in

Dr. Terri Grahamanswered
Pediatrics 32 years experience
Full assessment: Constipation has many contributors. Diet high in simple carbohydrates (potatoes, rice, starches), lack of exercise, and lack of fluid intake are primary reasons, followed closely by medications that dry you out. If you are a woman, menopause can also be a contributor. That being said, adding daily miralax, (polyethylene glycol) 17g twice a day with water will help, and follow with an otc mild laxative for a few days.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jul 5, 2018
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