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What Causes Severe Constipation With Stomach Distension?

Posted on Wed, 26 Mar 2014

Question: Hello, I was wondering if one could develop such bad gastrointestinal bloating/gas build-up that the stomach actually bursts? The reason I am asking this is because I haven't been able to have a bowel movement in twelve days. I did get some stool manually evacuated at the walk-in clinic three days ago but that brought no relief or movement. On top of the terrible pain and discomfort the constipation gives me I am also having horrible bloating of my stomach. I am full of very painful gas. I am very nauseated. I am burping constantly and uncontrollably but it brings no relief. Actually it feels more as if the gas just keeps building up in my stomach. There is a feeling of being so terribly full that my stomach won't be able to contain it much longer. I might also add that I haven't farted in nearly two days. I am very concerned. What shall I do? Please help. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Symptoms due to loaded colon Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Dear Ms All these symptoms you are experiencing is due to incomplete evacuation of stools, retention of which causes the colon that is large intestine to be distended. Distension causes fullness, bloating, nausea and other symptoms. The factors contributing to these could be 1. Diet factor: Low fiber diet 2. Decrease intake of water. 3 . painful anal condition like fissure Juts removal removal of stools or suppository will not be sufficient. I would suggest you the following which will definitely help 1. Retention Enema: Retention Enema using Glycerine and Normal saline will be helpful. It's to be given twice a day for 3 to 5 days. It will ensure clean and complete evacuation of stools 2. High fiber diet : 2 serving of vegetable salad a day. 3. Good water intake: 2 to 3 liter a day 4. Avoid smoking/Alcohol and carbonated beverages 5.Syrup Lactulose 10 ml twice a day. It's a laxative and 15 day use of it will definitely be helpful. Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you. Take care Best Regards Dr T Shobha Deepak MBBS, MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (4 hours later)

Thank you for your timely answer. I am already on a high fiber diet and I drink up to ten glasses of water a day. I use a variety of laxatives (Metamucil, Glycerin suppositories, Miralax and Senokot) regularly. In addition to that I receive an enema twice a week, but I will take your suggestion to increase that to heart. My real concern is the terrible bloating of my stomach though. I have the sensation of being so full that I am ready to burst. And I am worried if that is actually a possibility? Awaiting an answer, thank you.

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (9 hours later)

Brief Answer: Abdomen will not blow up Detailed Answer: Hi Let me first reassure you, even if you don't pass stools for many days in will not blow up in absence of organic obstruction. Retention Enema with Glycerine and Normal saline will be very effective in managing. Also follow up Abdominal X ray are required to demonstrate evacuation of stools from colon. Take care Best Regards Dr T Shobha Deepak

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar