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uk Health & medical scares severe constipation • constipation with swelling • abdominal swelling constipation • bloated stomach constipation • nausea with constipation • constipation and nausea • swollen abdomen • tummy swelling • can't poo or pass wind • no bowel movement • can't fart and bloated • stomach tightness • vomiting and constipation • possible bowel blockage • bowel obstruction symptoms • impacted stool • hard stool stuck • belly distension • constipation getting worse • sudden worsening constipation

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

Short answer

Treat this as urgent: severe constipation with increasing abdominal swelling and nausea can sometimes be a sign of a bowel blockage or another problem that needs same-day medical assessment. If you cannot pass wind/poo, are vomiting repeatedly, have severe/worsening pain, or feel very unwell, go to A&E or call 999.

Do not do these things

  • Do not keep escalating or stacking laxatives, suppositories, or enemas to “force it” when your abdomen is swelling and you feel nauseated (especially stimulant laxatives/enemas) unless a clinician has advised you to.
  • Do not force food or eat a large meal “to get things moving.”
  • Do not take opioid painkillers (for example codeine) unless a clinician has told you to—they can worsen constipation.
  • Do not ignore “can’t pass wind” or worsening swelling and nausea, even if you’ve been constipated before.
  • Do not drive yourself to hospital if you feel faint, very drowsy, or are vomiting—get help.

What to do now

  1. If ANY of these apply, call 999 or go to A&E now (don’t wait):
    • You cannot poo or fart (pass wind).
    • You keep vomiting or cannot keep fluids down.
    • Your abdomen is getting more swollen and not settling.
    • You have severe or worsening abdominal pain, your vomit looks like blood/coffee grounds, your poo is black and sticky or bloody, you collapse, or you feel confused/very unwell.
  2. If you don’t have the emergency signs above but symptoms are still worsening: contact NHS 111 today (phone or online). Say clearly:
    “Severe constipation with increasing abdominal swelling and nausea,” and tell them:
    • when you last passed poo
    • when you last passed wind
    • whether you’re vomiting (and how often)
    • how quickly the swelling is increasing
  3. While you’re arranging care:
    • If you are not actively vomiting, take small sips of water or oral rehydration drink. Stop if you start vomiting or feel worse.
    • Avoid alcohol and avoid large volumes of fizzy drinks.
    • Rest in the position that’s easiest to breathe (many people prefer lying on their side).
  4. Write down the key details to take with you / tell the clinician:
    • Last poo, last wind, and any recent diarrhoea “leaking around” constipation.
    • Pain pattern (cramping waves vs constant), and whether your tummy is tender to touch.
    • Vomiting details (how often; green/bile; brown; fecal smell).
    • Medicines (especially opioids, iron tablets, anticholinergics), recent surgery, known hernia, bowel conditions, pregnancy, and any cancer treatment.
  5. If you’re alone, contact someone now to stay reachable and to help with transport if you worsen.

What can wait

  • You do not need to work out the “right” laxative, fibre plan, or diet changes right now.
  • You do not need to decide whether this is constipation, impaction, or an obstruction at home—focus on getting assessed.
  • You can leave stool charts, supplements, and “cleanse” remedies for later.

Important reassurance

It’s understandable to feel alarmed—constipation plus increasing swelling and nausea can be very uncomfortable and worrying. Getting checked the same day is the safest way to rule out problems that shouldn’t be managed at home.

Scope note

This is first-step guidance for the next few hours to reduce risk and get you to the right service. Ongoing constipation management should be done after you’ve been assessed and urgent causes have been ruled out.

Important note

This is general information, not a diagnosis. If symptoms are worsening, you can’t pass wind/poo, you keep vomiting, or you have severe pain or feel very unwell, seek urgent medical care.

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