07/12/2025
𝖲𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝖺𝖻𝖽𝗈𝗆𝗂𝗇𝖺𝗅 𝗉𝖺𝗂𝗇 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗌𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗌𝗍𝗂𝗉𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇 𝖼𝖺𝗎𝗌𝖾𝗌
Severe abdominal pain combined with severe constipation often signals a medical emergency, such as bowel obstruction or f***l impaction, requiring immediate evaluation in an emergency department.[1][2]
# # Emergency Causes
Bowel obstruction blocks the intestine, preventing stool passage and causing cramping pain, bloating, vomiting, and no gas or bowel movements; common triggers include adhesions from prior surgery, tumors, hernias, or diverticulitis.[3][4][5] F***l impaction involves hardened stool buildup, leading to abdominal distension, pain, and potential overflow diarrhea, especially in those with chronic constipation or immobility.[6][7][8] Other critical issues like intestinal perforation or stercoral colitis can arise from untreated impaction, producing sudden intense pain, fever, and rigid abdomen.[9][10][11]
# # Non-Emergency Causes
Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, medications (e.g., opioids, anticholinergics), hypothyroidism, or inflammatory bowel disease can cause crampy pain and constipation but typically lack the acute severity.[12][13][14] Lifestyle factors like dehydration, low fiber, or inactivity contribute to secondary constipation with milder pain.[12][15]
Seek urgent care if pain persists, worsens, or includes vomiting, fever, blood in stool, or swelling, as delays risk perforation 𝗉𝗈𝗌𝗌𝗂𝖻𝗅𝖾.
Most common causes of bowel obstruction in adults
The most common causes of bowel obstruction in adults are adhesions from prior surgery, hernias, and colorectal cancer.[6][5][7]
# # Small Bowel Obstruction
Adhesions account for 55-75% of cases, often forming after abdominal or pelvic surgeries like appendectomy or colorectal procedures.[1][4][5] Hernias, particularly incarcerated groin hernias, cause 10-20% of obstructions by trapping intestinal loops.[6][5] Other contributors include Crohn's disease leading to strictures, malignancies, and volvulus.[1][5]
# # Large Bowel Obstruction
Colorectal cancer is the leading cause, responsible for about 60% of cases, often presenting as an emergency in 40% of affected patients.[1][3][4] Diverticulitis and sigmoid volvulus each account for around 15% of cases, with inflammatory bowel disease and adhesions also common.[1][3][7] F***l impaction or strictures from prior inflammation add to risks in older adults.[1][3]
