Constipation

Constipation is generally described as a difficulty or decrease in frequency of passing stools (also known as having a bowel movement). The stools are usually hard and dry.

The normal bowel movement is different from individual to individual and can range from two to three times a day to three times a week. If you notice a decrease in your frequency of bowel movement or have difficulty having a bowel movement, this can be considered constipation.

Constipation can be caused by a variety of reasons such as:

• Not having enough water or fluids
• Not having enough fibre in your diet
• Lack of regular exercise
• Not emptying your bowels when you feel the urge to pass motion
• Medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, pregnancy or cancer
• Use of certain medications such as
• Supplements like calcium or iron
• Medications for your heart or blood pressure like Nifedipine or Verapamil
• Medications for stomach problems like antacids
• Change in your diet, daily routine or lifestyle
• Stress

The symptoms of this condition can include the following:

• Difficulty passing stools
• Passing small, hard or dry stools
• Feeling bloated
• Feeling like you have not cleared your bowels completely

Constipation can be treated in the following ways and you can approach your pharmacist to get the following medications.

• Bisacodyl Tablets or Suppositories
• Fleet Enema
• Glycerin Suppository and Gel
• Ispaghula Husk
• Lactulose Syrup
• Senna Tablets
• Macrogol powder
• Forlax powder

Although constipation can be treated without a doctor’s consultation, there are times where the condition might be more serious.

If your condition does not get better in a week or gets worse, you should see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Fever
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Black or sticky stools
• Blood in the stools
• Very bad stomach pain or cramping
• Very bad stomach wind
• Sudden changes in bowel habits, especially if you also have weight loss
• Changes in the type/texture of stools
• No appetite to eat
• History of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a medical condition that causes inflammation in your intestines, causing pain, cramping and weight loss
• Constipation alternating with diarrhoea
• Needing to use constipation medicine regularly (for example, every 2-3 days or more often)
• Liquid or soft stools leak out of your anus

Other than using medications to treat the condition, constipation can also be managed by the following methods:

• Increase your intake of fluids
• Increase your intake of fibre in your diet to encourage bowel movement. However, remember to drink more water, otherwise your constipation might become worse.
• The following are some suggestions to prevent constipation from happening again:
• Have more fibre in your diet. Examples include vegetables, fruits, cereals and wholegrain breads. You should aim for about 25-30g of fibre every day to encourage bowel movement
• Increase the amount of fluids you drink. You should aim for at least six to eight cups of fluid or water a day
• Exercise regularly
• Empty your bowels whenever you feel the urge to pass motion
• Your sitting position on the toilet can affect bowel function. It is best to lean forward with a straight back, and with feet flat or on a foot stool, so that the knees are above the hips.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist if any of your long term medications can cause constipation and if you can be given another medication instead