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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Severe Constipation, Feeling Of Bowel Movement That Ends With Gas, Had Soft And Sticky Stools After Many Days. Can I Avoid This With Prunes Or Salt Water Flush?

I haven t pooped for 5 days. I feel the need to do it, but when I try it s like there is nothing there. I just let out gas. I had that problem last week too but then on Sunday I finally pooped. And it was soft and sticky (TMI sorry). Don t know why this happened again. What should I do? I m worried this won t stop soon and I ll have to take laxative. Do prunes or salt water flush really help?
Tue, 23 Jul 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear,

Though symptomatic relief can be obtained by salt water flush or intake of Laxatives, their regular use is not advised.
And as long as the underlying cause is not treated, symptoms will keep recurring.

The causes of constipation can be:
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.

So, kindly consult a Gastroenterologist & get a proper physical examination done.
Investigations like complete blood count, Ultrasound scan of abdomen, Colonoscopy & contrast studies will be helpful to rule out any pathological cause for your symptoms.

There is no need to worry, you will be fine.
Till then, maintain adequate hydration & proper nutrition status.

Wishing a good health.
Take care.
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General & Family Physician,  Dr. Nehal Mehta's  Response
hello,
thank you for using health care magic,
right now if you feeling very much constipated then you can go to nearby hospital for rectal enema to have symptomatic relief..but this is not permanenat solution..
this does not occur again you need to change your diet .. take more fibers, green leafy vegetables ,more water and juicy fruit.. avoid coffee if possible..
be regular about your bowl habit..
for future episode of constipation you can take laxative..
take care..
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Severe Constipation, Feeling Of Bowel Movement That Ends With Gas, Had Soft And Sticky Stools After Many Days. Can I Avoid This With Prunes Or Salt Water Flush?

Hello dear, Though symptomatic relief can be obtained by salt water flush or intake of Laxatives, their regular use is not advised. And as long as the underlying cause is not treated, symptoms will keep recurring. The causes of constipation can be: 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. So, kindly consult a Gastroenterologist & get a proper physical examination done. Investigations like complete blood count, Ultrasound scan of abdomen, Colonoscopy & contrast studies will be helpful to rule out any pathological cause for your symptoms. There is no need to worry, you will be fine. Till then, maintain adequate hydration & proper nutrition status. Wishing a good health. Take care.