HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How To Treat Dry And Hard Stool?

My stool is very dry and hard and I cannot pass it without doing an enema which works but doesn't do much about making the stool soft so after using the enema and running to the bathroom I am literally feeling like I am going to pass out from the pain of pushing out hard piece and I am now terrified to do an enema but I need to go to the bathroom and I would even be happy with having diahrea. I have tried every stool softener pill that exists and I have even been drinking mineral oil and nothing seems to make it soft. I got prune juice today and drank some and it said it should make it soft but I am still scared...what should I do?
Fri, 17 Jul 2015
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello dear,

The symptoms as mentioned in your post can be caused due to:
1. Any pathology/ sub acute obstruction in the Gastrointestinal tract
2. Irritable bowel syndrome- constipation predominant type.
3. Functional cause- due to decreased gastric motility.
4. Inadequate intake of fluids and fiber rich diet.
5. Hormonal & Metabolic causes, etc.

Though symptomatic relief from constipation can be obtained by laxatives, stool softeners or enema, the underlying cause needs to be treated.
So, it will be better to consult a Gastroenterologist for a proper clinical examination.
Further investigations like stool examination, Ultrasound scan of abdomen, Colonoscopy & contrast studies will be helpful to rule out any pathological cause for your symptoms.

Wishing you a good health.
Take care.
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer


Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
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]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
How To Treat Dry And Hard Stool?

Hello dear, The symptoms as mentioned in your post can be caused due to: 1. Any pathology/ sub acute obstruction in the Gastrointestinal tract 2. Irritable bowel syndrome- constipation predominant type. 3. Functional cause- due to decreased gastric motility. 4. Inadequate intake of fluids and fiber rich diet. 5. Hormonal & Metabolic causes, etc. Though symptomatic relief from constipation can be obtained by laxatives, stool softeners or enema, the underlying cause needs to be treated. So, it will be better to consult a Gastroenterologist for a proper clinical examination. Further investigations like stool examination, Ultrasound scan of abdomen, Colonoscopy & contrast studies will be helpful to rule out any pathological cause for your symptoms. Wishing you a good health. Take care.