Can Severe Constipation Increase Your Risk of Developing Sepsis?

Understanding the Connection Between Constipation and Sepsis

Constipation refers to infrequent, difficult, or incomplete bowel movements. It's a common condition that occurs when stool passes through the large intestine too slowly. This causes the stool to become hard, dry, and difficult to eliminate.

In some cases, severe constipation can increase the risk of developing a dangerous condition known as sepsis. Sepsis is the bodys extreme immune response to an infection that has spread into the bloodstream.

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis occurs when chemicals released into the bloodstream to fight infection trigger widespread inflammation throughout the body. This can cause organ and tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites from sites of infection can all potentially cause sepsis if they enter the blood. Common infection sites leading to sepsis include:

• Lungs (pneumonia)
• Urinary tract
• Skin
• Gut or intestines

How Constipation May Increase Sepsis Risk

Intestinal perforation or bacterial overgrowth in the colon are two ways constipation can sometimes contribute to developing sepsis.

Bowel Perforation

In very severe cases of constipation, extremely hard, impacted stool can damage intestinal walls. This causes tears or holes in the bowel tissue known as perforations.

Bowel perforations allow high levels of gut bacteria to spill from the intestines into nearby tissues. This bacterial contamination quickly enters the bloodstream and spreads systemically, causing sepsis.

Bacterial Overgrowth

Chronic constipation is also linked to an imbalance of bacteria within the colon. Without regular bowel elimination, excessive waste allows harmful bacteria to multiply.

As bacterial numbers rapidly increase beyond normal levels, this microbial imbalance can sometimes lead to dangerous systemic infection. Toxins released by the excessive gut bacteria may trigger sepsis.

Preventing Constipation to Reduce Infection Risk

While constipation itself is rarely life-threatening, the bowel obstruction and bacterial overgrowth it causes can increase odds of developing a serious blood infection like sepsis.

Preventing constipation through diet, hydration, exercise and other lifestyle measures is important for maintaining bowel regularity and reducing systemic infection risks.

Increasing Daily Fiber Intake

Fiber normalizes stool bulk and consistency to prevent constipation. It absorbs water in the colon to soften and add weight to stool for easier passage.

Most experts recommend 25-35 grams of fiber intake per day. Excellent high fiber food sources include:

• Vegetables: broccoli, carrots, beans, artichokes
• Fruits: pears, prunes, berries, apples
• Whole grains: oats, bran, quinoa, brown rice
• Nuts and seeds

Staying Hydrated

Dehydration is a common cause of constipation. Consuming adequate fluids is essential for proper digestion and soft bowel movements.

Drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic fluids per day. Water, herbal tea and broths are healthy options.

Engaging in Regular Exercise

Physical activity stimulates contractions in the intestines that help move stool through the colon. Aim for at least 30 minutes per day of moderate exercise like walking, jogging or swimming most days of the week.

Establishing Bowel Routine

Setting aside time every day after waking up to attempt a bowel movement helps establish regularity. Place feet on a low stool to simulate squatting, the ideal position for optimal elimination.

Do not sit on the toilet for prolonged periods straining. If no urge occurs within a few minutes, try again later.

Treating Acute Bouts of Constipation

Occasional short-term constipation may still occur even with a high fiber diet and lifestyle optimization. Several safe, gentle treatment options can provide relief in the short term.

Increasing Dietary Fiber

Consuming extra high fiber foods or taking a concentrated fiber supplement helps get things moving again. Psyllium husk, flaxseeds, chia seeds and hemp hearts are excellent choices.

Be sure to accompany extra fiber with increased fluid intake to prevent dehydration or fecal impaction.

Exercising Regularly

Low impact physical activity encourages motility through intestinal contractions. A 30-minute walk often stimulates bowel movements.

Drinking Warm Liquids

Sipping warm water, tea or coffee upon waking can trigger reflexive contractions to eliminate retained stool.

Trying Natural Laxatives

Temporary use of herbal laxatives like senna, cascara or flaxseed can help alleviate acute constipation. Always follow dosing guidelines on the label.

Discontinue use if diarrhea or cramping occurs. Do not rely on laxatives long term without consulting your physician.

Using Enemas

Saline, oil or glycerin enemas lubricate compacted stool while stimulating a bowel movement through mechanical introduction of liquid into the rectum.

Retain solution as long as possible before releasing, then repeat up to two more times if needed. Seek medical care if enemas fail to produce a bowel movement.

When to Seek Emergency Care for Constipation

While mild constipation usually resolves with at-home treatments, severely impacted stool can become a medical emergency requiring hospitalization. Seek immediate medical help for:

• No bowel movement or gas passage for 3 or more days
• Hard, swollen, painful abdomen
• Vomiting
• Blood in stool
• Fever or chills

Severe cases of constipation may require manual disimpaction by a medical professional, IV fluid hydration, intestinal perforation repair, or intravenous antibiotics for sepsis resulting from bowel infection.

Catching serious constipation complications early greatly improves chances for survival and prevents permanent organ damage from sepsis. Do not wait to get medical help if you have signs of severe impaction or systemic infection.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.