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What Causes Constipation Despite Having Fibre?

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Posted on Thu, 8 Dec 2016
Question: I've had trouble moving bowels in the past 24 hrs. It won't seem to pass thru. Very uncomfortable . I've eaten prunes , drank water , green tea , fruits. Seems like hard stool and is not wanting to move.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
can try a stool softener

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

You may want to consider using at least one dose of a stool softener to soften the stool so that it can pass easily.

Ducolax is a stool softener and it is used 1 to 3 tablets daily. In most cases, the results are in 6 to 12 hours.
It is an over the counter medications

Like all laxatives, it should only be used intermittently. Using laxatives consistently can affect how the bowel works, if they are not used too often, then it is okay.

Continue drinking a lot of fluids, this would also be helpful. This would not include any caffeine drinks or alcohol since these both cause the body to lose fluids.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (2 days later)
Thanks very much. I finally moved bowels that were hard and stuck inside for 3 days. Eating very clean. Since that it has felt different .. I don't feel like I'm back on track yet. Although Its not uncomfortable like it was. I'm curious why that happened and if it'll happen again . Just a bit concerned. Any thoughts.
My gp told me to take magnesium citrate.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
glad to hear

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Sorry about the delayed reply

It is understandable to be concerned.

It would be difficult to say exactly why this occurred, it may be due to a change in fluid intake or increase fluid loss for some reason (both would decrease fluid present in the body), may be a slight change in diet or side effect of a medication.
Reaction to diary products or anti acids can also do this as well as a decrease in the level of physical activity.

Your age is not stated but if you get repeated episodes of constipation to this extent and you are over 50 with no recent colonoscopy ( within the last few years), then you should just having a look to make sure that there are no serious causes though this is not common.

Magnesium citrate is a laxative

Like all laxatives, they should not be used too often because frequent use of laxatives actually cause constipation because they eventually stop the bowel from working well.
If you do a search of over use of laxatives causing constipation, you would see this stated.

Please feel free to ask any questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Constipation Despite Having Fibre?

Brief Answer: can try a stool softener Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic You may want to consider using at least one dose of a stool softener to soften the stool so that it can pass easily. Ducolax is a stool softener and it is used 1 to 3 tablets daily. In most cases, the results are in 6 to 12 hours. It is an over the counter medications Like all laxatives, it should only be used intermittently. Using laxatives consistently can affect how the bowel works, if they are not used too often, then it is okay. Continue drinking a lot of fluids, this would also be helpful. This would not include any caffeine drinks or alcohol since these both cause the body to lose fluids. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions