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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Having Bowel Movements Once In 3 Days Normal?

Yes , thank you! My mother,a 73 yr old who does not get much exercise, is small framed approx. 92 lbs. @ 5'4 and worried that she doesn't have a daily bm! She intakes very little and is not very physically active. Is it a prob to go every 3 days or so?
Tue, 11 Dec 2018
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

Normal bowel frequency ranges from 3 times a week to 3 times a day depending on fiber content, medication, exercise and stress.

You can check her Thyroid function test like serum Free T3, Free T4 & TSH to rule out hypothyroidism which also can cause constipation/reduced bowel movement.

The risk factor most commonly reported for constipation in the elderly is medication use, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Elimination or adjustments should be made in medications,
substituting less constipating alternatives where possible.

Increased fibre intake improves stool consistency and
accelerates colon transit in many individuals. Fiber (e.g. green leafy vegetables, whole bread etc) generally provides a safe, inexpensive first-line approach.

Increased fluid intake is also frequently recommended.

Bulking agents commonly used include wheat or oat bran, psyllium (ispaghula husk). Psyllium generally shows improved stool form and frequency.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas,
Internal Medicine Specialist
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Is Having Bowel Movements Once In 3 Days Normal?

Hi, Normal bowel frequency ranges from 3 times a week to 3 times a day depending on fiber content, medication, exercise and stress. You can check her Thyroid function test like serum Free T3, Free T4 & TSH to rule out hypothyroidism which also can cause constipation/reduced bowel movement. The risk factor most commonly reported for constipation in the elderly is medication use, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Elimination or adjustments should be made in medications, substituting less constipating alternatives where possible. Increased fibre intake improves stool consistency and accelerates colon transit in many individuals. Fiber (e.g. green leafy vegetables, whole bread etc) generally provides a safe, inexpensive first-line approach. Increased fluid intake is also frequently recommended. Bulking agents commonly used include wheat or oat bran, psyllium (ispaghula husk). Psyllium generally shows improved stool form and frequency. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas, Internal Medicine Specialist