Hypoxia and chest pain due to acute constipation: an underdiagnosed condition?

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Updated: Oct 28, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:50

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 18, 2023

A S Luder1, D Segal, N Saba

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Ziv Government Hospital, Safed, Israel. luder@tx.technion.ac.il

Pediatric Pulmonology
|October 17, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Severe constipation can cause acute respiratory distress in children. This case highlights how prompt treatment of constipation can lead to rapid recovery from severe symptoms like hypoxia and dyspnea.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Acute constipation is a common pediatric issue.
  • Severe constipation can present with atypical symptoms.
  • Respiratory distress is a rare but serious complication of constipation.

Observation:

  • A 10-year-old obese boy presented with acute respiratory distress, hypoxia, dyspnea, and abdominal pain.
  • Physical examination revealed abdominal distension, tenderness, and a rectum full of hard stool.
  • The patient experienced a complete recovery after catharsis.

Findings:

  • This case illustrates acute constipation as a cause of hypoxia and respiratory distress.
  • Literature review confirms this association is recognized but rarely reported.
  • The study suggests this phenomenon may be underdiagnosed.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider severe constipation in the differential diagnosis of pediatric respiratory distress.
  • Prompt recognition and management of constipation can prevent severe complications.
  • Increased awareness may improve diagnosis and treatment of similar cases in children.

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