What are the complications of constipation?
The elderly should not become anxious if they do not pass stools for a day or two, but chronic constipation should be attended to immediately to avoid further complications. • They may strain while passing motion and this could trigger an attack of chest pain. The straining may also cause a fainting attack due to transient reduction of blood supply to the brain. • Chronic constipation increases intra-abdominal pressure and straining could lead to hernia or varicose veins. • Hard stools may cause fissures in the anal canal and result in bleeding. • A distended rectum could also cause obstruction of the urinary passage. • Stagnation of stools could cause intestinal obstruction. • Taking laxatives for a long time could become habit-forming and produce a dilated colon (mega colon). • Irregular movement could cause anxiety and needless worries. • Patients may begin to take purgatives in large doses which may result in diarrhoea. Irreversable damage may cause the bowel to become an inert tub
