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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Constipation With Bloating?

I am 62 and female. I have had chronic constipation my entire life. Last year or so much worse. Excessive bloating - looks like I m 6-9 months pregnant. I am nearly 6 ft and weight about 175. I take stool softeners (2 capsules) & 5-6 senna tablets every day. For the past 5 mos. I have been taking a capsule for IBS (over the counter Phillips). Last mo. stopped eating gluten to see if perhaps I had a sensitivity. For the 1st wk or so everything seemed so much better but now I m back to the familiar symptoms.....I have an appt with my internist on Monday and this time I will push for a referral (I tend to make light of my concerns when I go to a physician!). My mother died of pancreatic cancer at 64. My father died of lung cancer (asbestos) at 76.......I went out to eat tonight with friends and now I am in so uncomfortable & huge!
Tue, 20 Sep 2016
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
As we age, the colon slows down and almost everyone will develop some type of functional constipation. The most common symptom is bloating, abdominal discomfort, and hard stools. In addition, as we age, we usually get put on more medications that can worsen constipation, and we are more prone to cancers which can also can constipation. Therefore, you need to see your doctor for a colonoscopy to rule out cancer which is the most serious issue. Blood work should also be done to rule out any metabolic or electrolyte causes. You may want to increase the fluid in your diet, as well as fiber. Exercising can help. You also need to obey the urge to defecate. You should also start a stool softener such as psyllium or miralax.
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What Causes Severe Constipation With Bloating?

As we age, the colon slows down and almost everyone will develop some type of functional constipation. The most common symptom is bloating, abdominal discomfort, and hard stools. In addition, as we age, we usually get put on more medications that can worsen constipation, and we are more prone to cancers which can also can constipation. Therefore, you need to see your doctor for a colonoscopy to rule out cancer which is the most serious issue. Blood work should also be done to rule out any metabolic or electrolyte causes. You may want to increase the fluid in your diet, as well as fiber. Exercising can help. You also need to obey the urge to defecate. You should also start a stool softener such as psyllium or miralax.