Chronic constipation is a medical disorder in which you experience minimal to no bowel movements. According to the Mayo Clinic, your stools are hardened and you have a bowel movement less than three times a week. Chronic constipation can also cause straining. This medical condition carries certain complications.
Rectal Prolapse
According to MedlinePlus, rectal prolapse is a condition in which your rectal tissue descends and appears outside of your anus. Typically, this occurs in children younger than 6 years old and in the elderly suffering from constipation, malnutrition, pinworm infiltration or infections. Symptoms of rectal prolapse include the appearance of a red mass outside of your anus. This may be more pronounced when you have a bowel movement. You may be able to push this mass back into your anus using a damp warm cloth. Sometimes, surgery may be necessary but MedlinePlus says this is rare.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can also result from constipation. According to the Mayo Clinic, hemorrhoids are swellings of your rectal and anal veins. This can be triggered when hard stool attempts to pass through your lower digestive tract. Hemorrhoid's symptoms include pain, discomfort, anal irritation, painless bleeding when you have a bowel movement and an anal lump. Internal hemorrhoids reside inside your rectum while external hemorrhoids are near your anus. Over-the-counter medications such as hydrocortisone creams or suppositories can help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms. An injection containing chemicals can be used to shrink the swelling and surgery can be utilized to remove the hemorrhoids.
Fecal Impaction
Chronic constipation can also cause fecal impaction. MedlinePlus says that this refers to stool that cannot move out of your rectum because it has solidified into a hardened mass. Manifestations of fecal impaction include stomach cramping, rectal bleeding and watery diarrhea. Stool softeners such as docusate and bulk fiber laxatives such as metamucil can be used to soften stool and allow for an easier bowel movement. Sometimes, changing your diet and exercising can promote easier bowel movements. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary if you develop megacolon (a widened colon) or suffer from complete intestinal blockage.
