When Should You See a Doctor for Chronic Constipation Warning Signs
Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints in India. Many people ignore it or try home remedies for weeks before seeking medical help. While occasional constipation is normal, chronic constipation can be a sign of an underlying problem that needs proper treatment. According to Dr. Vikrant Kale, a leading gastroenterologist in Pune, constipation should never be taken lightly—especially when it becomes persistent or starts affecting daily life. Chronic constipation can lead to piles, fissures, abdominal pain, and even rectal bleeding if not treated on time. In this blog, you will learn the warning signs of chronic constipation and when you must consult an expert like Dr. Vikrant Kale for proper evaluation and treatment.
What is Chronic Constipation?
Constipation becomes “chronic” when:
- You have fewer than 3 bowel movements per week, and
- Stools are hard, dry, or painful to pass, or
- You feel the need to strain frequently, and
- The symptoms continue for more than 2–3 weeks.
Chronic constipation is common among adults, office workers, frequent travellers, elderly individuals, and people with irregular eating habits.
Common Symptoms of Chronic Constipation:
You may be experiencing chronic constipation if you notice:
- Hard, pellet-like stools
- Straining during bowel movements
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation
- Bloating and heaviness
- Abdominal discomfort
- Needing to use laxatives often
When these symptoms persist, you should seek medical guidance from a specialist like Dr. Vikrant Kale.
Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore:
Here are the red flags that indicate it’s time to visit a gastroenterologist immediately:
1. Constipation Lasting More Than 2–3 Weeks
If bowel habits do not improve despite home remedies, fibre, or increased water intake, it may point to an underlying problem such as:
- IBS-C (Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Constipation type)
- Thyroid issues
- Colon motility problems
- Hormonal imbalance
Dr. Vikrant Kale emphasises early evaluation to prevent complications.
2. Severe Abdominal Pain
Persistent or worsening abdominal pain along with constipation may indicate:
- Obstruction
- Inflammation
- Colonic spasms
- Pancreatic or gallbladder issues
This requires immediate medical attention.
3. Blood in Stools
Seeing blood in stool—even once—is a major warning sign. It may be due to:
- Piles
- Anal fissure
- Polyp
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Colorectal cancer (rare but possible)
Early evaluation by Dr. Vikrant Kale helps identify the exact cause and prevents progression.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss
If you lose weight without trying, along with constipation, it could be due to an underlying medical condition. It should be checked immediately.
5. Vomiting or Inability to Pass Gas
These may be signs of intestinal blockage. This is an emergency, and patients should not delay treatment.
6. Dependence on Laxatives
If you need laxatives regularly just to pass stools, your gut needs expert evaluation. Overuse damages the bowel’s natural rhythm.
7. Change in Stool Shape or Size
Stool that becomes very thin, ribbon-like, or unusually shaped should be assessed—especially if this change persists.
8. Constipation in Elderly People
Constipation in people above 50 years of age must be evaluated because age-related conditions or polyps may be involved.
Why Chronic Constipation Happens?
There are many possible causes:
- Low fibre in diet
- Insufficient water intake
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Stress and irregular meals
- IBS-C
- Thyroid disorders
- Side effects of medications
- Diabetes
- Neurological conditions
- Colon motility problems
Only a specialist like Dr. Vikrant Kale can determine the exact cause through proper diagnosis.
How Dr. Vikrant Kale Approaches Chronic Constipation Treatment?
As one of Pune’s trusted digestive health experts, Dr. Vikrant Kale follows a structured and personalised treatment approach:
- Detailed Consultation & Gut Assessment: Understanding symptoms, lifestyle, diet, and triggers.
- Personalised Treatment Plan: This includes Diet changes, Lifestyle modifications, Medicines to improve gut motility, Probiotics, & Management of IBS-C if diagnosed
- Avoiding Unnecessary Laxatives: He focuses on restoring natural bowel movement instead of temporary relief.
- Long-Term Gut Health Improvement: Education, preventive strategies, and follow-up care ensure lasting relief.
Conclusion:
Chronic constipation is not just an inconvenience—it can be a sign of a deeper issue. Recognising the warning signs and seeking timely help is important. With proper diagnosis and treatment from Dr. Vikrant Kale, patients can regain comfort, regular bowel habits, and overall digestive health.
