Suggest Treatment For Constipation

Posted on Wed, 27 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 27 Jul 2016 Answered on

Sat, 13 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have struggled with constipation since giving up alcohol more than 2 years ago. I recently learned that dairy products may be the cause. Two days ago I switched to non-dairy beverages (I drink a lot of milk) and other substitutes. Yesterday, I began experiencing discomfort in urinating. It became acute by evening and I had difficulty getting to sleep. I happened to have an antibiotic, which I took. This morning, the pain on urination is gone. Coincidence? By the way I lost a pound and a half in those two days, while eating as usual. Should I continue with the non-dairy plan?

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Response to antibiotic may indicate a urinary infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome and thanks for your query.
If the discomfort in passing urine responded to an antibiotic, it is likely to be a urinary tract infection. Non dairy products are less likely to be the cause. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is a common cause of painful urination and urinary infection. Since you have started on antibiotic, it is better to complete the course.
After that you can try the non dairy product and see if it produces the same symptoms. If it does then you should consider it as the cause and give up the non dairy plan. Your weight loss is likely to be due to loss of fluids and dehydration.
Do get back to me if you have further queries.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar