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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Constipation

My father is 79 yes.old and he has been constipated for 5 to 7 days.He drank a bottle of magnesium sulfate and he has used Dulcolax suppositories. He told me he has had a couple of small bowel movements ,but, not very much. About the size of when your cat might do it on the floor. Do you think he needs to go see his doctor? Thank you...Penny Williams
Wed, 11 Mar 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi Penny,

I am sorry for the situation your father is in.

Constipation is a common concern in elder patients at the age of your father. However, planning a good diet programme will help improve his bowel movements and ease constipation.

I advise to discuss with his physician to start:
- psyllium supplement to help form the fecal mass and ease bowel movements (bm)
- lactulose to soften the stool
- senna supplement will induce bm
- increase water intake
- take daily walks

Medications he takes (e.g. antibiotics) can also influence bm. Once their effect is over, bm will be improved too.

All the best!
Dr.Albana
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Suggest Treatment For Constipation

Hi Penny, I am sorry for the situation your father is in. Constipation is a common concern in elder patients at the age of your father. However, planning a good diet programme will help improve his bowel movements and ease constipation. I advise to discuss with his physician to start: - psyllium supplement to help form the fecal mass and ease bowel movements (bm) - lactulose to soften the stool - senna supplement will induce bm - increase water intake - take daily walks Medications he takes (e.g. antibiotics) can also influence bm. Once their effect is over, bm will be improved too. All the best! Dr.Albana