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Brown Watery Stools, Spinal Stenosis, Back Pain, Back Arthritis. Should We Stop Softeners?
Question: My father has been having some brown watery stools with some stool present - he takes stool softeners- stop softeners? He is 80 yrs old- approx 6' between 160-170#- also has spinal stenosis - has back pain @ times- does have arthritis in back as well
Hi,
Thanks for the query.
Your father is having brown watery stools and he also takes stool softeners. He is also a arthritic patient with Spinal stenosis.
You need to know whether you need to stop stool softeners. Your father might be taking stool softeners to soften the stools due to constipation.
Stool softeners are normally used on a short-term basis to relieve constipation by people who should avoid straining during bowel movements because of heart conditions, hemorrhoids, and other problems. He is getting watery stools due to this. You can avoid it for some time and let him follow natural methods to soften stools like:
1. Drink between eight and ten glasses of water a day.
2. Increase physical activity.
3. Eat more fiber. Fiber-rich foods include fruits, brown rice, whole grains and vegetables.
4. High-fiber juices such as apples and prune juice quickly soften stools and promote a bowel movement.
It is commonly seen in old age. Let him reduce dietary intake of milk or milk products, instead give yoghurt, avoid caffeinated beverages. Avoid Putting off or continually delaying the urge to have a bowel movement.
Hope I have answered your query. I will be available for follow up queries.
Wish you good health.
Regards.
Thanks for the query.
Your father is having brown watery stools and he also takes stool softeners. He is also a arthritic patient with Spinal stenosis.
You need to know whether you need to stop stool softeners. Your father might be taking stool softeners to soften the stools due to constipation.
Stool softeners are normally used on a short-term basis to relieve constipation by people who should avoid straining during bowel movements because of heart conditions, hemorrhoids, and other problems. He is getting watery stools due to this. You can avoid it for some time and let him follow natural methods to soften stools like:
1. Drink between eight and ten glasses of water a day.
2. Increase physical activity.
3. Eat more fiber. Fiber-rich foods include fruits, brown rice, whole grains and vegetables.
4. High-fiber juices such as apples and prune juice quickly soften stools and promote a bowel movement.
It is commonly seen in old age. Let him reduce dietary intake of milk or milk products, instead give yoghurt, avoid caffeinated beverages. Avoid Putting off or continually delaying the urge to have a bowel movement.
Hope I have answered your query. I will be available for follow up queries.
Wish you good health.
Regards.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Jyoti Patil
Answered by
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