Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for constipation. This is when your bowel movements are too hard, too small, or do not happen often enough. It can also be hard to have a bowel movement.
Most of the time, you can treat your constipation at home.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Eat foods that have a lot of fiber. Good choices are fruits, vegetables, prune juice, and cereal.
●Drink plenty of water and other fluids.
●When you feel the need to have a bowel movement, go to the bathroom. Don't hold it.
●Try having a bowel movement first thing in the morning or soon after a meal.
●When you are trying to have a bowel movement, certain positions might help. Try leaning forward slightly and using a stool or foot rest under your feet.
●Try to get regular physical activity. Some people find that this helps.
●Talk to your regular doctor before you use laxatives or enemas regularly.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•You have sudden severe belly pain, or the pain is constant.
•Your belly becomes very hard or swollen.
•You vomit blood.
•Your bowel movements have a large amount (more than 1 teaspoon, or 5 mL) of blood in them.
●Return to the ED if:
•Your bowel movements are black or tar colored.
•You vomit a lot and cannot keep liquids down.
•You have a fever of 102.2° F (39°C) or higher.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●Your bowel movements have a small amount (less than 1 teaspoon, or 5 mL) of blood in them.
●You feel like something is not right in your belly.
●You have hemorrhoids. These are swollen veins in the rectum that can cause itching, bleeding, and pain.
●You have hard bowel movements for more than 2 weeks along with belly pain.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Constipation in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: High-fiber diet (The Basics)
Patient education: Constipation in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: High-fiber diet (Beyond the Basics)
