Gentle Help for Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation may be a symptom of other diseases such as diabetes and thyroid problems. Chronic constipation may also be due to physical deformities in the colon. Chronic constipation is easy to treat with a combination of alternating remedies. Selecting the best remedy to use for constipation is a process of trial, evaluation and error.

Fiber Therapy

• Gradually increase the amount of dietary fiber. This helps to prevent fiber from causing excess gas and bloating in the digestive tract. If you need additional fiber, use a fiber supplement such as Metamucil or Benefiber. Be sure to consume plenty of water as you use fiber to manage chronic constipation. Not drinking enough water while using fiber therapy for managing chronic constipation can actually lead to worsening constipation.

Stool Softener

• Stool softeners work to make the stool soft for easier passage to avoid straining. Straining to have a bowel movement potentially leads to hemorrhoids, which are ruptured blood vessels. Hemorrhoids may cause rectal itching, bleeding and pain. More advanced cases of hemorrhoids may require surgical attention.

Glycerin Suppository

• Insert a glycerin suppository into the rectum. Glycerin suppositories work to lubricate stool that has hardened in the rectum. The suppository melts in the rectum. Glycerin suppositories usually produce a bowel movement within an hour after inserting into the rectum

Enema

• Use an enema as the last resort. Enemas can be pre-packaged solutions such as a Fleet enema or may be homemade from a combination of mixtures ranging from tap water to soapsuds and table salt. More severe cases of constipation may require the use of a two-quart enema bag to reach stool that has become hardened, dried and impacted further up the digestive tract