Fecal impaction is dry stool that cannot pass out of the body. Patients with fecal impaction may not have gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Instead, they may have problems with circulation, the heart, or breathing. If fecal impaction is not treated, it can get worse and cause death.

Can you die from not pooping?

And how long is too long to go without pooping? Despite some very extreme constipation stories, there's no need to worry about dying or having your intestines explode, says Whyte.

Can you die from severe constipation?

Dehydration, constipation, aspiration and seizures make up the Fatal Four. These conditions have the potential to severely impact a person's quality of life and, in some cases, can be deadly.