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Suggest Treatment For Constipation
Posted on
Mon, 12 May 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 12 May 2014
Answered on
Mon, 2 Jun 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : Im a 91 year old female who has to push very hard to have a bowel movement. I have to do this several times a day. I've tried laxatives and stool soffeners and I still have the same problem
Brief Answer:
need to decrease use of laxatives and softeners
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Normally laxatives and stool softeners are used for only short period of time because if used for long periods they affect the ability of the bowel to work effectively on its own.
You can however consider long term increase in the use of fiber either from foods or in replacement products like metamucil. The sugar free metamucil works better volume for volume when compared to one with sugar.
This can be used up to three times a day.
In addition to the use of these supplements, you would need to increase your use of foods with fiber such as fruits and vegetables to at least 5 portions a day. They would need to be part of each main meal and snack.
Prunes are particularly helpful in constipation.
In addition to the above the use of enough fluids is also considered to help with persons with constipation.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
need to decrease use of laxatives and softeners
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Normally laxatives and stool softeners are used for only short period of time because if used for long periods they affect the ability of the bowel to work effectively on its own.
You can however consider long term increase in the use of fiber either from foods or in replacement products like metamucil. The sugar free metamucil works better volume for volume when compared to one with sugar.
This can be used up to three times a day.
In addition to the use of these supplements, you would need to increase your use of foods with fiber such as fruits and vegetables to at least 5 portions a day. They would need to be part of each main meal and snack.
Prunes are particularly helpful in constipation.
In addition to the above the use of enough fluids is also considered to help with persons with constipation.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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