Some of these conditions, such as an intestinal obstruction, can be a medical emergency. Hard stool can create irritation and micro-tears in the intestinal lining that cause bleeding. Also, you can experience bleeding from somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract that may mean you see blood in your stool. Sometimes hard stool may appear black and tarry. This could indicate the presence of bleeding in a higher area of the digestive tract, such as the stomach or esophagus.
Some medications you take, such as iron supplements, can also cause dark stools. The most serious symptoms of hard stool are rectal bleeding or blood in your stool. These can require emergency medical attention if a person continues bleeding. Many of these symptoms can make you afraid to pass any other stools.
This fear can worsen constipation. Hard stools can build up in the digestive tract, causing damage to its lining. Complications from hard stool can include:. Ideally, these methods are a short-term solution. If your hard stool causes significant medical problems, such as an intestinal blockage or rectal prolapse, you may require surgery. That is usually a last attempt to correct an underlying problem.
You may need to seek emergency medical attention if you see blood in your stool that seems to be increasing in amount. Otherwise, you should seek medical help if your hard stools are bothering you. If over-the-counter or home remedies do not relieve constipation, or if constipation becomes chronic, see a doctor or dietitian to discuss other treatment options and dietary changes. Constipation develops when stool becomes hard and difficult to pass.
Reasons include a blockage and a low fiber diet. Learn more about the causes and…. Olive oil has long been used as a simple treatment for constipation. Learn more about this home remedy that gets stools moving again, and how to use…. They can experience symptoms that include constipation and…. Karo is a brand of corn syrup that is used as part of an old home remedy for constipation. However, does Karo syrup reduce difficulties in passing….
Which foods are good for constipation? Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. Fourteen foods Causes Treatment We include products we think are useful for our readers. Fourteen foods that can ease constipation. Share on Pinterest Probiotics may help to improve gut health. Share on Pinterest Olive oil can ease the flow of materials through the intestines. Share on Pinterest Castor oil is a natural laxative.
Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Hard stool in children and babies. When to see a doctor. Share on Pinterest If a person experiences bleeding when passing stool, they should speak to a doctor. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3.
Related Coverage. How much fiber should I eat per day? Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R. What to know about constipation. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. How do you treat a fecal impaction? Differences between stool softeners and other laxatives. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, PharmD. What to know about enemas. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. The main symptom is diarrhoea after a long bout of constipation.
Page last reviewed: 03 September Next review due: 03 September Check if it's constipation It's likely to be constipation if: you have not had a poo at least 3 times during the last week the poo is often large and dry, hard or lumpy you are straining or in pain when you have a poo You may also have a stomach ache and feel bloated or sick.
Read more about dementia behaviour changes What causes constipation Constipation in adults has many possible causes. The most common causes include: not eating enough fibre — such as fruit, vegetables and cereals not drinking enough fluids not moving enough and spending long periods sitting or lying in bed being less active and not exercising often ignoring the urge to go to the toilet changing your diet or daily routine a side effect of medicine stress, anxiety or depression Constipation is also common during pregnancy and for 6 weeks after giving birth.
Rarely, constipation may be caused by a medical condition. How you can treat and prevent constipation yourself Making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can help treat constipation. It's safe to try these simple measures when you're pregnant.
Make changes to your diet To make your poo softer and easier to pass: drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol increase the fibre in your diet add some wheat bran, oats or linseed to your diet Improving your toilet routine Keep to a regular time and place and give yourself plenty of time to use the toilet.
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