A 41-year-old man has died after suffering from severe, untreated constipation for nearly a month — a tragic case that doctors say could have been prevented with early medical intervention. The patient, whose name has not been disclosed, arrived at the hospital in critical condition with over 20 pounds (9 kg) of impacted stool lodged in his colon.

According to medical experts, the man had not had a bowel movement for almost 30 days, but dismissed his symptoms as temporary discomfort. By the time he sought help, the pressure from the hardened mass of stool had caused life-threatening complications.

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⚠️ A Hidden Danger Inside the Body

Dr. Alan Morris, a gastroenterologist who reviewed the case, explained that severe constipation — also known as fecal impaction — can quickly escalate into a deadly condition if left untreated.

“People often underestimate constipation, but in extreme cases it can compress organs, cut off blood supply to the intestines, and lead to sepsis,” Dr. Morris said.

Medical reports show the man’s colon had expanded to several times its normal size, placing immense pressure on surrounding tissues. Eventually, the toxic buildup caused internal infection and organ failure.

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❗ The Warning Signs He Ignored

Doctors noted that the man had experienced several red-flag symptoms, including:

• Persistent abdominal pain

• Severe bloating

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea

• Difficulty passing gas

• Rapid heart rate

Any one of these symptoms, if lasting more than a few days, should trigger a medical evaluation.