Constipation — which specialty
Infrequent, hard stools, with straining or a sense of incomplete emptying.
Usually seen by
Gastroenterology
Other directions, depending on what comes with it:
- Endocrinology — with fatigue, cold intolerance or weight gain
- Colorectal surgery — with pain and bleeding on opening the bowels
Not sure you have picked the right one? Start with general internal medicine — routing you to the right place is their job, not yours.
Go now, without waiting for an appointment, if any of these apply
- New constipation in someone over 50 that persists
- Constipation with blood in the stool
- Constipation with weight loss
- No bowel movement and no wind, with a distended painful abdomen
This list is not exhaustive and does not replace judgement on the spot. If something is clearly wrong and you are unsure, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest facility — waiting in order to be certain is the most dangerous way to spend the time.
What you will be asked — have the answers ready
- How often, compared with before
- The shape of the stool
- Whether there is blood or mucus
- How much water and vegetable fibre you take daily
- Which medicines you take — many cause constipation
A first appointment is short. Having these answers ready is the cheapest way to avoid a second visit that exists only to supply information.
Bring with you
- A two-week bowel diary
- A complete list of medicines
What a first visit usually involves
- History and abdominal examination
- Rectal examination if needed
- Colonoscopy if there are alarm features or if age-based screening applies