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Constipation Relief Techniques

Constipation is an uncomfortable medical condition characterized by difficulty and pain when attempting a bowel movement. While occasional minor episodes of constipation are not usually cause for alarm, chronic episodes of severe constipation may require medical evaluation and regular prescription medical treatment.

  1. Dietary Management

    • Gradually introduce sources of dietary fiber into the diet. The gradual introduction of fiber into the diet minimizes stomach bloating and excessive gas. Drinking plenty of water eliminates worsening constipation as the body adapts to increased fiber intake

    Oral Laxatives

    • Use oral stimulant laxatives such as Dulcolax tablets and Ex-Lax for occasional episodes of constipation. Stimulant laxatives work by stimulating muscle contractions to move the stool along the digestive tract and out of the body through the rectum and anus.

    Suppositories

    • Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement results in hard stools. The longer a person delays the urge to have a bowel movement, the more water is absorbed from the stool. Use a glycerin suppository to relieve constipation caused by hard dry stools. Insert the suppository into the rectum. Glycerin suppositories produce the urge to have a bowel movement between 15 minutes and one hour after insertion.

    Enemas

    • Administer an enema if you're still constipated after using oral laxatives and suppositories. Enemas may be administered using an enema bag, small enema bulb, or prepackaged enemas you can purchase, such as Fleet enemas. Enema solutions can consist of plain tap water, salt water, or soapsuds.

    Prescription Medicines

    • Suffering from chronic constipation could indicate a symptom of a colon deformity, irritable bowel syndrome, bowel obstruction. Your health care professional may recommend prescription medications such as Amatiza to treat these causes of chronic constipation. When patients pass the ago of 40, doctors recommend colonoscopies, where the anal tract and colon can be viewed for problems up close. Talk to your physician if conditions continue.

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