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What to do if…
you have severe constipation with increasing abdominal swelling and nausea

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Severe constipation with increasing abdominal swelling and nausea needs urgent same-day medical advice. Call 999 or go to A&E now if you cannot poo or fart, keep vomiting, have severe or worsening abdominal pain, vomit blood or coffee-ground material, have black sticky or bloody poo, cannot breathe, have collapsed, or feel very unwell.

Do not do these things

  • Do not keep stacking laxatives, suppositories, or enemas to force a bowel movement when your abdomen is swelling and you feel nauseated, unless a clinician has told you to.
  • Do not force a large meal or lots of fibre to “get things moving” while your abdomen is getting more swollen.
  • Do not start or add opioid painkillers such as codeine unless they have been prescribed or a clinician has advised them; they can worsen constipation.
  • Do not stop prescribed medicines suddenly without medical advice.
  • Do not ignore being unable to pass wind, worsening swelling, repeated vomiting, or severe pain, even if you have been constipated before.
  • Do not drive yourself to hospital if you feel faint, very drowsy, confused, or are vomiting; ask someone to take you or call 999.

What to do now

  1. If you cannot poo or fart, keep vomiting, cannot keep fluids down, have severe or worsening abdominal pain, have a very tender abdomen, vomit blood or coffee-ground material, have black sticky or bloody poo, cannot breathe, have collapsed, or feel very unwell, call 999 or go to A&E now.
  2. If you do not have those emergency signs but your constipation, swelling, or nausea is worsening, contact an urgent medical advice service today:
    • in England, use NHS 111 online or phone 111
    • in Scotland, phone NHS 24 on 111
    • in Wales, use NHS 111 Wales or phone 111
    • in Northern Ireland, use Phone First or GP out of hours
  3. Say clearly: “I have severe constipation with increasing abdominal swelling and nausea.”
  4. Tell the urgent advice service or clinician:
    • when you last had a poo
    • when you last passed wind
    • whether you are vomiting, and how often
    • whether the swelling is increasing
    • whether the pain is cramping, constant, severe, or getting worse
  5. While you are arranging help, do not eat a large meal. If you are not actively vomiting, take small sips of water or oral rehydration drink. Stop if drinking makes you vomit or feel worse.
  6. Keep your medicines or a medication list with you, especially opioids, iron tablets, anticholinergic medicines, and laxatives already taken.
  7. Mention any recent surgery, known hernia, bowel condition, pregnancy, cancer treatment, or previous bowel obstruction.
  8. If you are alone, contact someone now so they can stay reachable, help with transport, or call for help if you get worse.

What can wait

  • You do not need to work out the right laxative, fibre plan, supplement, or diet change right now.
  • You do not need to decide at home whether this is constipation, faecal impaction, bowel obstruction, or something else.
  • You can leave stool charts, cleanse remedies, exercise plans, and long-term constipation prevention until after you have been assessed.

Important reassurance

This combination of symptoms is frightening and uncomfortable, and getting help quickly is a sensible safety step. Many causes can be assessed and treated, but worsening swelling, nausea, vomiting, severe pain, or not passing wind should not be managed by guessing at home.

Scope note

These are first steps for the next few hours to reduce risk and get you to the right service. Later decisions about constipation treatment, medicines, diet, tests, or specialist care may need help from a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, dietitian, or another qualified professional.

Important note

This is general information only and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical or professional advice. If symptoms are worsening, you cannot pass wind or poo, you keep vomiting, you have severe pain, or you feel very unwell, seek urgent medical care.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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