How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Constipation

Audience: adult

Constipation is a common condition where bowel movements become less frequent or difficult to pass. Preparing for a video visit about constipation can help you get the most from your telemedicine appointment. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, diet, lifestyle, and any medicines you take. They may offer advice on managing constipation, such as changes in diet, hydration, or activity, and discuss when further tests or treatments might be needed. This guide helps you organize your information and questions before the visit, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for constipation, and know when to seek urgent care. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool for education and initial advice but is not a replacement for in-person evaluation when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe abdominal pain requiring urgent evaluation
• Blood in stool or black, tarry stools indicating possible bleeding
• Sudden inability to pass gas or stool suggesting bowel obstruction

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to constipation
• Providing lifestyle and dietary advice to relieve constipation
• Guiding when to seek in-person care or further testing

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or diagnostic tests
• Diagnosing underlying medical conditions requiring in-person assessment
• Prescribing controlled medications without prior in-person evaluation

What to Expect During Your Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your bowel habits, including how often you have bowel movements and the consistency of your stools. They may inquire about your diet, fluid intake, physical activity, and any recent changes in your health or medications. Be ready to describe your symptoms clearly, including any pain, bloating, or straining. The provider may offer suggestions to help relieve constipation or decide if further tests or in-person care are necessary.

How to Prepare for Your Telemedicine Appointment

Before your video visit, gather information about your symptoms, such as when constipation started and any related issues. Write down your current medications and supplements. Prepare a list of questions or concerns you want to discuss. Ensure your device has a good internet connection, and find a quiet, private place for the appointment. Having a notebook or device ready to take notes can be helpful.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do for Constipation

Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms, provide advice on lifestyle changes, and guide you on when to seek further care. However, it cannot perform physical exams, diagnostic tests, or procedures. If your symptoms are severe or do not improve, an in-person visit may be necessary for further evaluation.

Red Flags: When to Seek Immediate Care

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of the following:

These signs may indicate serious conditions that require prompt evaluation.

After Your Video Visit: Next Steps

Follow any advice or treatment plans given by your healthcare provider. This may include dietary changes, increased fluid intake, or over-the-counter remedies. Monitor your symptoms and note any changes. If symptoms worsen or new red flags appear, seek in-person care promptly. Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the start date and pattern of your constipation symptoms
• List all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking
• Prepare answers about your diet, fluid intake, and physical activity
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss
• Ensure your device is charged and has a stable internet connection
• Find a quiet, private place for your video visit

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on diet, hydration, and activity
• Use recommended over-the-counter treatments as directed
• Monitor your symptoms for improvement or worsening
• Seek in-person care if red flag symptoms develop
• Schedule follow-up appointments if advised

FAQs

What causes constipation?

Constipation can be caused by a variety of factors including low fiber diet, dehydration, lack of physical activity, certain medications, and medical conditions affecting the digestive system.

How can I relieve constipation at home?

Increasing your fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, drinking plenty of fluids, and regular physical activity often help relieve constipation. Over-the-counter laxatives may be used occasionally but should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

When should I see a doctor for constipation?

You should seek medical advice if constipation lasts more than a few weeks, is accompanied by severe pain, blood in stools, unexplained weight loss, or if you have other concerning symptoms.

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my constipation?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and provide advice but cannot perform physical exams or tests needed to diagnose underlying causes. In-person evaluation may be necessary for diagnosis.

Sources

1. Constipation — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
3. Constipation — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Constipation — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional in person.