Learn what a typical Constipation in adults prognosis is at Consumer Reports Health.

Constipation in adults

What will happen to me?

Most constipation lasts for just a few days. It rarely becomes serious. But occasionally constipation goes on and on. If this isn't treated properly, it can get worse.

Constipation that lasts a long time is sometimes called chronic constipation. The word "chronic" describes any medical condition that you have for a long time.

It's hard to say what will happen if you have constipation that lasts a long time. There haven't been many studies. Here's what we do know.

Constipation can be uncomfortable, but it isn't usually serious. Having constipation doesn't mean that you will get bowel problems (such as bowel cancer) later on.
Being constipated could mean you're more likely to have

hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus. Sometimes you can see or feel them and sometimes they are inside the anus. Hemorrhoids can hurt and bleed. They usually happen when you strain a lot to pass a stool.

hemorrhoids, or weakness and

inflammation
If your skin or some other part of your body becomes red, swollen, hot or sore, we say it is inflamed. It means that your body is trying to protect you from germs, from something in your body tissues that can hurt you (like a thorn or sliver), or from things that cause allergies (allergens). Inflammation is part of the way the body heals an infection or injury.

inflammation in the wall of your bowels (diverticular disease).

Source:
Petticrew M, Watt I, Sheldon T.
Systematic review of the effectiveness of laxatives in the elderly.
Health Technology Assessment. 1997; 1: 1-52.

¹ But there isn't much evidence for this.
Rarely, constipation that isn't treated may lead to large, hard stools that block your bowels. This is more likely to happen if you're older.

Source:
Petticrew M, Watt I, Sheldon T.
Systematic review of the effectiveness of laxatives in the elderly.
Health Technology Assessment. 1997; 1: 1-52.

¹ Your doctor will probably prescribe medications called

laxative
A laxative is a kind of medicine you can buy over the counter. Laxatives empty your bowels by making you go to the bathroom often.

laxatives to clear your bowels. As a last resort, you may need to go the hospital. Your doctor can clear your bowels with an

enema
An enema is liquid that is poured into your rectum to clean it out. Many people find it uncomfortable and embarrassing, but it helps your doctor to see the inside of your bowels.

enema (fluid passed into your

rectum
The rectum is the last six to eight inches of the large intestine, ending with the anus (where you empty your bowels).

rectum) or suppositories (medication placed into your rectum). But most people won't need this.

Sources for the information on this page:

Petticrew M, Watt I, Sheldon T.Systematic review of the effectiveness of laxatives in the elderly.Health Technology Assessment. 1997; 1: 1-52.

This information was last updated on Jan 07, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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