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Suggest Treatment For Irregular Bowel Movement Experienced During Most Of One's Adult Life
I have Irregularity and have had it most of my adult life. What can I do to help improve this situation? I take Citracel, a whole scoop in a glass of warm water every morning and this helps. But, usually at least once a week I have to take Milk of Magnesia to keep going. What do you suggest?
Fri, 4 Jan 2019
Hi dear. Thanks for trusting HealthCareMagic. I have understood your query and I hope these answers can help you.
You have constipation which means irregularity in frequency of defecation, below 3 times a week. You have consumed laxative such as citrucel contain methylcellulose, that works by absorbing water from intestines which can help stool is passed easier, and restoring regularity. But if your symptoms still happen or worsen in 1 week, better you consult your condition to your doctor. You have to drink much water. Stop using citrucel if there's bleeding, nausea, vomiting or lack of bowel movement. It may be something serious.
Milk of magnesia is laxative too that works to stimulate bowel evacuation. Better to drink it at bedtime. But if you have used citrucel, it's wise for you not to use another laxative, unless it's prescribed by your doctor. Because the adverse effects may be worsen.
I suggest you to firstly change your dietary habit and lifestyle eg:
1. Increase the consumption of high fiber, such as vegatables, fruit, wheat, cereal etc. It helps much for defecation to be frequently.
2. Drink as much as water, to prevent rehidration and make more fluid in intestine to help stool not firm.
3. Avoid caffeine because it can trigger dehidration.
4. If there's an urge to defecate, do not delay.
5. It may help if you use a small chair to put your feet so your knee is higher than your hip, make ± 45° angle. This position will help to make some pushing in your abdomen and make defecation easier.
If you have another question to be discussed, please let me know and I hope I can make it more clear. I hope you'll get well soon.
Regards,
dr. Asti Yuliadha
You have constipation which means irregularity in frequency of defecation, below 3 times a week. You have consumed laxative such as citrucel contain methylcellulose, that works by absorbing water from intestines which can help stool is passed easier, and restoring regularity. But if your symptoms still happen or worsen in 1 week, better you consult your condition to your doctor. You have to drink much water. Stop using citrucel if there's bleeding, nausea, vomiting or lack of bowel movement. It may be something serious.
Milk of magnesia is laxative too that works to stimulate bowel evacuation. Better to drink it at bedtime. But if you have used citrucel, it's wise for you not to use another laxative, unless it's prescribed by your doctor. Because the adverse effects may be worsen.
I suggest you to firstly change your dietary habit and lifestyle eg:
1. Increase the consumption of high fiber, such as vegatables, fruit, wheat, cereal etc. It helps much for defecation to be frequently.
2. Drink as much as water, to prevent rehidration and make more fluid in intestine to help stool not firm.
3. Avoid caffeine because it can trigger dehidration.
4. If there's an urge to defecate, do not delay.
5. It may help if you use a small chair to put your feet so your knee is higher than your hip, make ± 45° angle. This position will help to make some pushing in your abdomen and make defecation easier.
If you have another question to be discussed, please let me know and I hope I can make it more clear. I hope you'll get well soon.
Regards,
dr. Asti Yuliadha
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