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

What to do now

1. Go to an emergency department now, or call 911, if any of these apply:

   • You cannot pass stool or gas.
   • Your abdomen is swollen, tight, or clearly getting bigger.
   • You keep vomiting or cannot keep liquids down.
   • You have severe or worsening abdominal pain or cramping.
   • You have fever, confusion, fainting, blood in stool or vomit, green vomit, brown vomit, or vomit that smells like stool.

2. If none of those emergency signs are present but the swelling and nausea are increasing today, call your primary care clinic or nurse line for same-day direction. If you cannot reach them promptly, it is reasonable to go to an emergency department for assessment.

3. While arranging care, do not try to “clear it out” at home with repeated medicines. If you are not actively vomiting, take small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink; stop if vomiting starts or symptoms worsen.

4. Write down a short triage note:

   • The last time you passed stool.
   • The last time you passed gas.
   • When the abdominal swelling started and whether it is getting worse.
   • Whether pain is constant or comes in waves.
   • Any vomiting, including green, brown, bloody, or stool-smelling vomit.
   • Current medicines, especially opioids, iron, anticholinergic medicines, or recent new medicines.
   • Recent surgery, hernia, bowel disease, pregnancy, cancer treatment, or a history of bowel blockage.

5. If you are alone, contact someone who can stay reachable and help with transport. If vomiting, severe pain, inability to pass gas, faintness, or confusion develops, call 911.