What Is The Causes And Treatment For Hard Stool?

Posted on Tue, 18 Mar 2014

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

Tue, 18 Mar 2014 Answered on

Mon, 7 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am in good health for being 68 years old, but I have an embarrassing bowel problem. I have daily bowel movements but I have hard stools and almost always plug up our toilet unless I use something to break it up to make it flush. I have tried more fiber in my diet, XXXXXXX Ease softener, fiber gummies, Etc. but they are often for a temporary problem. Is there an over the counter product that is safe to take? This has been going on for a long time and does not seem to improve with things I have tried or get better with time.

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Detailed below. Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for the query. Such problems with stool can be caused by blood pressure medicines (ca-blockers usually), hypothyroidism, low liquids intake, chronic bacterial infection or even a colon cancer. As you are over the age of 50, colon cancer shouldbe ruled out at first. That is why colonoscopy is necessary. You should also have thyroid tests, stool tests. Please consider blood pressure medicines change. Add probiotic to your diet and increase mineral water intake. Avoid products like banana and rice. Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions. Regards.

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