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Suffering From Constipation After Angioplasty. Relieves With Enema. Taking Duphalac. Any Natural Remedy?

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Posted on Mon, 2 Jul 2012
Question: My father is 67 and has undergone angioplasty six months back. He is since suffering from constipation, on and off. He takes enema which is very useful. The doctor has prescribed Duphalac. Is there another good way to get rid of constipation? Any help..
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Answered by Dr. Ketan Vagholkar (1 hour later)
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing in.
Constipation is a known accompaniment of heart disease. It is detrimental to the heart as straining at stools puts extra strain on the heart. Daily enemas are not good as with time the bowel will refuse to move without an enema. Duphalac or lactulose is physiologically a good medication as it lowers the bowel pH and causes good evacuation at the same time. It does not have significant side effects. I would suggest the following
1. Take a fixed dose of duphalac every night
2. Have a good amout of warm water to drink throughout the day as permitted by your cardiologist.
3. Take plenty of XXXXXXX leafy vegetables in every meal
4. Avoid constipating dietary items
5.Take bananas everyday if you aren't diabetic.

This plan would be the best for your dad. Using newer laxatives or purgatives is not advisable as it can cause a condition called cathartic colon or even at times colonic pseudoobstruction which are difficult to manage.
With regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli
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Answered by
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Dr. Ketan Vagholkar

Gastroenterologist, Surgical

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 883 Questions

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Suffering From Constipation After Angioplasty. Relieves With Enema. Taking Duphalac. Any Natural Remedy?

Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing in.
Constipation is a known accompaniment of heart disease. It is detrimental to the heart as straining at stools puts extra strain on the heart. Daily enemas are not good as with time the bowel will refuse to move without an enema. Duphalac or lactulose is physiologically a good medication as it lowers the bowel pH and causes good evacuation at the same time. It does not have significant side effects. I would suggest the following
1. Take a fixed dose of duphalac every night
2. Have a good amout of warm water to drink throughout the day as permitted by your cardiologist.
3. Take plenty of XXXXXXX leafy vegetables in every meal
4. Avoid constipating dietary items
5.Take bananas everyday if you aren't diabetic.

This plan would be the best for your dad. Using newer laxatives or purgatives is not advisable as it can cause a condition called cathartic colon or even at times colonic pseudoobstruction which are difficult to manage.
With regards