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
How Can Chronic Constipation Be Treated?
I have been taking a stool softener for a couple of years and about 2 months ago it was no longer effective so I boosted the dosage to the maximum listed on the bottle to 3 capsules per day and still no help. I have a bowel movement only about once every 4 days and when I do, it is extremely hard and large.It is painful to go because of the size of the excrement.Shall I switch too a different laxative? Thank you,YYYY@YYYY
Mon, 10 Dec 2018
Hi,
You should get it done as below:
- Get your stools checked to exclude possible infection (bacterial/amoebic), infestation by word or food allergies; which can cause constipation if it is found.
You need specific medicines for cure. pl. consult your family doctor.
-Start having food of needful calories (From carbohydrates, proteins & fats as per dietitian's advise) with more salads, vegetables, fruits with fibres.
-Drink at least 12 glasses of water daily.
-Use mild laxative like Lactulose over the counter / use glycerine suppository for adults to facilitate excretion of hard stools.
-Have 45 minutes exercises (along with abdominals).
-Drink 2 big glasses of warm water on an empty stomach daily & form a habit of sitting in toilet seat at a fixed time daily.
Slowly dose of laxative will reduce & you would start having motion daily & easily.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Vasudha Jayant Athavale, General & Family Physician
You should get it done as below:
- Get your stools checked to exclude possible infection (bacterial/amoebic), infestation by word or food allergies; which can cause constipation if it is found.
You need specific medicines for cure. pl. consult your family doctor.
-Start having food of needful calories (From carbohydrates, proteins & fats as per dietitian's advise) with more salads, vegetables, fruits with fibres.
-Drink at least 12 glasses of water daily.
-Use mild laxative like Lactulose over the counter / use glycerine suppository for adults to facilitate excretion of hard stools.
-Have 45 minutes exercises (along with abdominals).
-Drink 2 big glasses of warm water on an empty stomach daily & form a habit of sitting in toilet seat at a fixed time daily.
Slowly dose of laxative will reduce & you would start having motion daily & easily.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Vasudha Jayant Athavale, General & Family Physician
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
Loading Online Doctors....