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Suggest Treatment For Heaviness In The Lower Abdomen While Having A Sensation Of Constipation
Question: My husband is having a "heaviness" in his lower abdomen. He has been taking OTC stool softeners, laxatives, fiber, magnesium citrate and gets "cleaned out" completely but almost immediately feels the heaviness which he interprets as constipation. Our doctor is on vacation for two weeks and I am afraid he will do damage to his intestinal tract with all he is taking. Any thoughts?
Brief Answer:
Very likely infection due to constipation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
A significant decrease in fecal movement or constipation is usually the most important cause of pain or heaviness in lower abdominal area. Constipation causes fermentation of food causing colonies of bad bacteria to develop in intestines which may lead to inflammation of intestines.
As per protocol however an ultrasound of abdomen should be done to rule out the cause of problem.
"but almost immediately feels the heaviness which he interprets as constipation" is suggestive of infection in intestines.
If you can manage get a prescription for him-
Cefiximine 200mg twice daily
Metronidazole 400mg thrice daily(would cover bacteria and protozoans also).This is the baseline treatment.
Along with it'
Take Fybogel husk-Fybogel sachets and Fybogel Hi-Fiber sachets both contain the active ingredient ispaghula husk, which is a type of medicine called a bulk-forming laxative. Ispaghula is a type of fiber. It swells when it comes into contact with fluid in the gut and thus increases the volume of the feces. It increases the bulk in your stool, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. It also works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass. Psyllium, one type of bulk-forming laxative.
Secondly human gastrointestinal tract is colonized by 1013-14 bacteria of 400 different species and subspecies. They are responsible for proper digestion of food. Depletion of this flora due to surgery can lead to severe constipation and digestive problems. Start taking probiotic like VSL 3 daily.
Thirdly continue taking laxative.
Take very light boiled and bland easily digestible veg food for few days.
Regards
Very likely infection due to constipation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
A significant decrease in fecal movement or constipation is usually the most important cause of pain or heaviness in lower abdominal area. Constipation causes fermentation of food causing colonies of bad bacteria to develop in intestines which may lead to inflammation of intestines.
As per protocol however an ultrasound of abdomen should be done to rule out the cause of problem.
"but almost immediately feels the heaviness which he interprets as constipation" is suggestive of infection in intestines.
If you can manage get a prescription for him-
Cefiximine 200mg twice daily
Metronidazole 400mg thrice daily(would cover bacteria and protozoans also).This is the baseline treatment.
Along with it'
Take Fybogel husk-Fybogel sachets and Fybogel Hi-Fiber sachets both contain the active ingredient ispaghula husk, which is a type of medicine called a bulk-forming laxative. Ispaghula is a type of fiber. It swells when it comes into contact with fluid in the gut and thus increases the volume of the feces. It increases the bulk in your stool, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. It also works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass. Psyllium, one type of bulk-forming laxative.
Secondly human gastrointestinal tract is colonized by 1013-14 bacteria of 400 different species and subspecies. They are responsible for proper digestion of food. Depletion of this flora due to surgery can lead to severe constipation and digestive problems. Start taking probiotic like VSL 3 daily.
Thirdly continue taking laxative.
Take very light boiled and bland easily digestible veg food for few days.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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