Can Constipation Cause Nausea?

Posted by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

Any of us can get constipated and for the most part constipation is harmless. However, if constipation occurs along with a few other symptoms, it could be the cause of many other health problems.

When your colon is not working properly, it throws your entire digestive tract out of balance. As a result, stool accumulates in the intestinal tract creating a feeling of discomfort or a hangover in the stomach.
Your gut plays a role in your body's detoxification process. When food moves through the colon it takes longer than usual, this causes a build-up of toxins in the body. It is these toxins that cause the feeling of nausea.
In addition, constipation can lead to bloating and gas, which occurs when stool lingers longer in the colon. This stimulates the growth of bacteria in the large intestine, causing a feeling of nausea. Depending on the severity of your constipation, you may also lose your appetite and start skipping meals. Some people feel nauseous even on an empty stomach. Also, sometimes constipation and nausea are symptoms of a medical condition. General conditions include:

Dry, hard stools can occur when there isn't enough water in your body and intestines. Lack of fluids can make it difficult for food or waste to pass through the intestinal tract. Dehydration also slows down bowel movements, leading to nausea and other symptoms like bloating and gas.

Intestinal obstruction occurs when a blockage in the colon prevents the passage of stool. Other symptoms of an intestinal obstruction may include abdominal pain, vomiting, and abdominal swelling.
Various factors can play a role in this condition. Inflammatory bowel disease caused by Crohn's disease can cause obstruction, as can an infection with diverticulitis. You can also get a blockage if you have a hernia or an adhesion of the colon. Bowel or colon cancer is another cause of obstructions.

This disorder affects the large intestine and can cause a variety of symptoms including constipation and nausea. IBS is a chronic condition that causes weak bowel contractions, resulting in food or stools stagnation in the colon.
It is also believed that abnormalities in the nervous system contribute to IBS constipation. This is due to poorly coordinated signals between the colon and the brain, leading to weak muscle contractions in the intestines.

Some medications can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation and nausea. These include:
narcotic pain relievers, such as codeine and oxycodone Antihistamines Diuretics Antidepressants Blood pressure medications Iron supplements Constipation and nausea may improve as your body adapts drugs or supplements. See your doctor if your medication-induced constipation gets worse or doesn't improve. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or recommend a stool softener along with the medicine.

The underlying problem of chronic constipation is not always an underlying medical problem. It can sometimes come from a lack of exercise. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to chronic constipation and subsequently lead to nausea. Regular exercise helps promote normal muscle contractions in the intestines. This helps stool move easily through the intestines.

If chronic constipation leads to nausea, hemorrhoids and other gastrointestinal problems, treatment can improve your quality of life. Here are a few things you can try.

Eating more fiber can help soften stools. This can reduce straining and increase the frequency of bowel movements. Take an over-the-counter fiber supplement as directed or increase your intake of fiber-rich foods. Good sources of fiber include fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Adults should get between 21 and 38 grams of fiber per day.

Laxatives stimulate intestinal contractions and promote bowel movements. Osmotic laxatives, on the other hand, allow fluid to move through the colon, which also promotes bowel movements.

These products remove waste from your rectum and relieve constipation. They work by pumping fluid (for example, soap, water, or saline) into the lower intestine to help empty the colon.
Suppositories and suppositories are effective, but side effects can include nausea and diarrhea. If inserted incorrectly, there is also a risk of rectal perforation or internal damage.

When over-the-counter products don't work, some prescription medications can help relieve constipation. These drugs work like laxatives and stool softeners by drawing water into the intestines.
Options include:
Prucalopride succinate (Resotran) Linaclotide (Constella) Lubiprostone (Amitiza) Linaclotide (Linzess) Besides, you can improve your constipation with regular exercise. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Maintain a healthy diet and drink enough water to prevent dehydration.
In case if constipation or nausea interferes with your quality of life, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Also, see your doctor if your constipation doesn't improve after a few months. Because you may have an underlying medical problem, especially if you feel like having a bowel movement but can't.
Although constipation can cause nausea, be aware that other medical conditions can cause both symptoms. So it's important to see a doctor if any changes in bowel function do not improve or worsen.
Vinmec International General Hospital is a prestigious address trusted by many patients in performing diagnostic techniques for digestive diseases, diseases that cause diarrhea, chronic constipation, Crohn's disease... Conducting endoscopic techniques, testing and examination is always performed by a team of highly qualified doctors, from many large hospitals across the country, combined with medical machinery and equipment systems. Modern technology to bring the best diagnostic and treatment results to customers.

References
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Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Constipation: Overview.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354253
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Dietary fiber: Essential for a healthy diet.
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fiber/art-20043983
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Intestinal obstruction.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/intestinal-obstruction/symptoms-causes/syc-20351460
Nausea and IBS. (2018).
aboutibs.org/nausea-and-ibs.html