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Could Constipation With The Need To Take Stool Softener Medication A Sign Of Pancreatitis?
Question: I have s sinus infection from mowing in a very dusty area with no breathing protection. That caused slight dizziness, sinus pain and I thought drainage that was causing nausea.
I visited an urgent care and got some prednisone to reduce the swelling and was told to purchase Coricidin.
Due to a slow metabolism and just being an older female, I tend to have some constipation and take a stool softener which usually does the trick. The last couple of days, I've felt more nausea and constipation and haven't had a decent bowel movement since Sunday night.
Just to add a note I love popcorn and about once a week make a bowl that I nibble on for a few days. the bloated feeling is getting really uncomfortable and I'm hoping it isn't something more serious like Pancreatitis, however I have no pain, just discomfort.
I visited an urgent care and got some prednisone to reduce the swelling and was told to purchase Coricidin.
Due to a slow metabolism and just being an older female, I tend to have some constipation and take a stool softener which usually does the trick. The last couple of days, I've felt more nausea and constipation and haven't had a decent bowel movement since Sunday night.
Just to add a note I love popcorn and about once a week make a bowl that I nibble on for a few days. the bloated feeling is getting really uncomfortable and I'm hoping it isn't something more serious like Pancreatitis, however I have no pain, just discomfort.
Brief Answer:
Pancreatitis is unlikely...
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Please do not worry. The symptoms are not suggestive of pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis is (acute or chronic) an inflammation of the pancreas that leads to the destruction of the pancreas causing epigastric or left upper quadrant pain. It may cause constipation, nausea or bloating but without a pain pancreatitis is unlikely. Pancreatitis is common in chronic alcoholics, smokers and may be caused by gallstone diseases or autoimmune disorders.
Constipation is defined as fewer than 3 hard stools a week which causes excessive straining, or sense of incomplete evacuation. Constipation is associated with a slow bowel movement in the colon and may cause abdominal distention or nausea. If you took Coricidin (or still on it) it may cause constipation. But after stopping the medication bowel movements should normalize. Popcorn is a good source of fiber which should help with bowel movements.
I advise you use Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) tablets. It is a bowel stimulant that causes bowel contractions and promotes evacuation of the colon. It is mainly used for short-term treatment of constipation, as long time use may cause drug tolerance requiring increasing the dose.
Also, try the following lifestyle changes that help you improve bowel movements for long-term:
- increase water intake and do regular exercises. It is ok to have bowel movements once in two days (at least 3 bowel movements per week without excess straining is normal).
-increase your daily fiber intake by eating plenty of vegetables, oats, seeds, cereals and whole grains. Fiber absorbs water into the gut and makes the stool softer and easier to pass. You may also try fiber supplements such as psyllium powder that can be used for the same purpose. Fiber supplements work fine with the adequate fluid intake. You should take at least one glass of water with psyllium and one more glass after taking it.
Hope these lifestyle changes will help you. If you do not feel a relief of constipation with these lifestyle changes, have fever, persistent pain, blood in the stool or recent weight loss please, contact your doctor. Constipation may be caused by underlying medical conditions
I hope the information is helpful.
Please, feel free to ask me if there is anything else you need to know.
I will be happy to help you further.
Thank you
Pancreatitis is unlikely...
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Please do not worry. The symptoms are not suggestive of pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis is (acute or chronic) an inflammation of the pancreas that leads to the destruction of the pancreas causing epigastric or left upper quadrant pain. It may cause constipation, nausea or bloating but without a pain pancreatitis is unlikely. Pancreatitis is common in chronic alcoholics, smokers and may be caused by gallstone diseases or autoimmune disorders.
Constipation is defined as fewer than 3 hard stools a week which causes excessive straining, or sense of incomplete evacuation. Constipation is associated with a slow bowel movement in the colon and may cause abdominal distention or nausea. If you took Coricidin (or still on it) it may cause constipation. But after stopping the medication bowel movements should normalize. Popcorn is a good source of fiber which should help with bowel movements.
I advise you use Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) tablets. It is a bowel stimulant that causes bowel contractions and promotes evacuation of the colon. It is mainly used for short-term treatment of constipation, as long time use may cause drug tolerance requiring increasing the dose.
Also, try the following lifestyle changes that help you improve bowel movements for long-term:
- increase water intake and do regular exercises. It is ok to have bowel movements once in two days (at least 3 bowel movements per week without excess straining is normal).
-increase your daily fiber intake by eating plenty of vegetables, oats, seeds, cereals and whole grains. Fiber absorbs water into the gut and makes the stool softer and easier to pass. You may also try fiber supplements such as psyllium powder that can be used for the same purpose. Fiber supplements work fine with the adequate fluid intake. You should take at least one glass of water with psyllium and one more glass after taking it.
Hope these lifestyle changes will help you. If you do not feel a relief of constipation with these lifestyle changes, have fever, persistent pain, blood in the stool or recent weight loss please, contact your doctor. Constipation may be caused by underlying medical conditions
I hope the information is helpful.
Please, feel free to ask me if there is anything else you need to know.
I will be happy to help you further.
Thank you
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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