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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Constipation

My gram has been having a hard time to have a daily bowel movement. Her meds and vitamins have been changed a lot lately. I am wondering if it s okay for her to take individual 5mg laxative or a stool softener with seminaries 8.6mg nightly for this problem.
Fri, 11 Apr 2014
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello and welcome to health care magic.
Constipation in old age can be due to many reasons. The abdominal muscles will be lax and weak in old age and will not be initiate strong peristaltic movements which are needed to move the waste particles through the large Intestine. The drugs they take for various ailments also causes constipation as a side effect.
My advice is to add more fibre rich foods in her diet, especially during night time. Adding more fruits and vegetables will also help for forming the bulk of stools. Using laxatives and stool softners are ok, but try to prevent constipation through her diet alone. Taking too much laxatives can cause electrolyte and mineral loss on long term.
Hope this discussion will be helpful to you.
Thank you.
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Suggest Treatment For Constipation

Hello and welcome to health care magic. Constipation in old age can be due to many reasons. The abdominal muscles will be lax and weak in old age and will not be initiate strong peristaltic movements which are needed to move the waste particles through the large Intestine. The drugs they take for various ailments also causes constipation as a side effect. My advice is to add more fibre rich foods in her diet, especially during night time. Adding more fruits and vegetables will also help for forming the bulk of stools. Using laxatives and stool softners are ok, but try to prevent constipation through her diet alone. Taking too much laxatives can cause electrolyte and mineral loss on long term. Hope this discussion will be helpful to you. Thank you.