Constipation - Adults - Safety netting advice

When to seek further review

Speak to a pharmacist if simple changes are not enough. Most laxatives work within about 3 days; ask for advice if they are not helping rather than repeatedly increasing the dose yourself.
Arrange GP review if constipation is not improving with treatment, keeps returning, or there is an unexplained change in bowel habit.
Arrange review for blood in the poo, unexplained weight loss, persistent tummy pain or marked tiredness.
Seek urgent advice today for worsening pain, vomiting or increasing tummy swelling.
Do not wait for the suggested review time if symptoms become worse, new symptoms appear, or you are worried.
Contact your GP when the surgery is open. If it is closed, you cannot get the help you need, or you are unsure what to do, call NHS 111. You can call even if you are not sure whether the symptoms are serious.

When to get emergency help
(Immediately dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department)

Severe or sudden tummy pain with a swollen or hard tummy.
Green vomit, or repeated vomiting with increasing tummy swelling.
Being unable to pass wind or poo with severe pain or swelling.
A large amount of bleeding from the bottom, black sticky poo, or vomiting blood.
Severe difficulty breathing, such as gasping or being unable to speak normally.
New confusion or not making sense when speaking.
Being very difficult to wake.
Collapse or loss of consciousness.
Blue, grey, unusually pale or blotchy skin or lips, especially when feeling very unwell.

How to spot sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It can get worse quickly. If someone is seriously unwell and may have sepsis, call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Do not wait for every sign, a high temperature or a rash.

An unwell child under 5 who has not had a pee or wet nappy for 12 hours needs emergency assessment. If you are unsure and there are no emergency signs, call NHS 111 for advice.

Adult sepsis signs: slurred speech or confusion; extreme shivering or muscle pain; no urine in a day; severe breathlessness; feeling extremely unwell; mottled or discoloured skin. — Adults

Child sepsis signs: very fast breathing; a fit or convulsion; mottled, bluish or pale skin; a rash that does not fade under pressure; very difficult to wake; abnormally cold. Under-5 warning signs also include not feeding, repeated vomiting or no urine for 12 hours. — Children

Sources

NHS - Constipationhttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipation/
NHS - Sepsishttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/
NHS - When to use NHS 111https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/

When to seek further review

When to get emergency help(Immediately dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department)

How to spot sepsis

Sources

When to get emergency help
(Immediately dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department)