Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Hard Stool. Taking Stool Softener. Will I Be Okay?
hello. i have to take a stull softer everyday and if i do not i get very hard poop and will not poop for five to six days until i do. and when i do go it takes along time and very big and hard to get out. its long as 14 to 16 inchs and hard as a rock. but if i do take stull softer everyday i go every two days and its not to hard or that big..so what is wrong with me the only thing i know i can do is take the stull softer everyday and be sure not to miss a day. if i miss one day..it takes a week to get right again. so whats wrong with me.. thank you
Wed, 28 Aug 2013
Hi I am Dr.kadhir,
There are quite a number of conditions which presents with constipation, starting from a small ulcer in the anal region to some serious bowel diseases but the most common one being habitual constipation .
My advice is to first rule out all other serious causes, then get treated for conditions like habitual constipation.
Moviciol (macrogol or poly ethylene glycol) is an laxative which softens the stools by increasing its water content . Its quite safe and effective only when used properly (adequate dose and method). This is used mainly as short term for cleaning the bowel for any procedures, but studies have been done and they suggest that it can be used even daily. Method of preparing the drug and number of sachets are more important.
The side effects are quite rare, mainly due to dehydration , loss of electrolytes and over dose.
Movicol can be used for short term and then proper fiber diet (fruits, dietry fibers and vegetables), adequate water and lactulose can be used. Lactulose dose can be increased cautiously till satisfactory respose is obtained.
To summarize macrogol is effective for disimpaction of stools. Both macrogol and lactulose are effective for prolonged use in chronic habitual constipation under regular monitoring.
Thank you for the consultation in health care magic
There are quite a number of conditions which presents with constipation, starting from a small ulcer in the anal region to some serious bowel diseases but the most common one being habitual constipation .
My advice is to first rule out all other serious causes, then get treated for conditions like habitual constipation.
Moviciol (macrogol or poly ethylene glycol) is an laxative which softens the stools by increasing its water content . Its quite safe and effective only when used properly (adequate dose and method). This is used mainly as short term for cleaning the bowel for any procedures, but studies have been done and they suggest that it can be used even daily. Method of preparing the drug and number of sachets are more important.
The side effects are quite rare, mainly due to dehydration , loss of electrolytes and over dose.
Movicol can be used for short term and then proper fiber diet (fruits, dietry fibers and vegetables), adequate water and lactulose can be used. Lactulose dose can be increased cautiously till satisfactory respose is obtained.
To summarize macrogol is effective for disimpaction of stools. Both macrogol and lactulose are effective for prolonged use in chronic habitual constipation under regular monitoring.
Thank you for the consultation in health care magic
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Ibs w/ constipation
Loading Online Doctors....