
Chronic Constipation
This full, human large intestine from 1892 might give museum-goers pause, but it contains stuffing, not old waste. Instead, it represents a case of congenital aganglionic megacolon, a condition commonly referred to as chronic constipation, which ultimately led to the demise of the afflicted individual known as the “Balloon Man.” Chronic constipation, if left untreated, can have severe health consequences. Prolonged and untreated constipation can lead to impacted bowels, causing intense pain and discomfort. Furthermore, it can result in the formation of fecal impactions, which may require medical intervention to remove and can lead to serious complications such as bowel perforation or infection. In extreme cases, chronic constipation can even be life-threatening if it triggers complications.