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Suggest Treatment For Constipation
Posted on
Mon, 18 Aug 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 18 Aug 2014
Answered on
Sat, 13 Sep 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : i am a female, 67 years old and having concern over the texture of my stool. I have had trouble with constipation for the last 3 months. when I have a bowel movement it is in small balls and come dribbling out .
the only laxative I've taken is a stool softener and this is on an occasional basis. should this situation give me any concern?
thank you !
XXXXXXX XXXX
YYYY@YYYY
the only laxative I've taken is a stool softener and this is on an occasional basis. should this situation give me any concern?
thank you !
XXXXXXX XXXX
YYYY@YYYY
Brief Answer:
Not to worry. Increase fiber in diet.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Looking at the clinical history and symptoms, my opinion is as follows:
1. Constipation is commonly seen at this age, more due to abnormal sleep pattern, low fiber diet and meal skipping. Too many changes in daily routine like food, fluids and activity pattern can affect bowel movements.
2. The amount you take in, is the amount you take out in relation to fibers in diet. The more fiber rich diet, eg: vegetables, fruits, oats etc will increase the stool mass.
3. Small balls dribbling out is not to be worried about, and at this age, commonly stool softeners are used. However, try to regularize your diet along with exercise and sleeping pattern.
4. Vegetables like salad green, carrot, green peas, spinach, cucumber and fruits like papaya, banana, or anything with skin will add plenty of fiber and soften the stool. Drink lots of water as required.
5. At present, your diet is low fiber, so has led to constipation. Not of any concern.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Not to worry. Increase fiber in diet.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Looking at the clinical history and symptoms, my opinion is as follows:
1. Constipation is commonly seen at this age, more due to abnormal sleep pattern, low fiber diet and meal skipping. Too many changes in daily routine like food, fluids and activity pattern can affect bowel movements.
2. The amount you take in, is the amount you take out in relation to fibers in diet. The more fiber rich diet, eg: vegetables, fruits, oats etc will increase the stool mass.
3. Small balls dribbling out is not to be worried about, and at this age, commonly stool softeners are used. However, try to regularize your diet along with exercise and sleeping pattern.
4. Vegetables like salad green, carrot, green peas, spinach, cucumber and fruits like papaya, banana, or anything with skin will add plenty of fiber and soften the stool. Drink lots of water as required.
5. At present, your diet is low fiber, so has led to constipation. Not of any concern.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Answered by
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