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Having fewer bowel movements than before? Straining to pass hard or small stools recently?
What is constipation? - bowel movements are infrequent and irregular.
- hard stool difficult to pass
Signs and Symptoms - fewer bowel movements than usual.
- stool is hard and small and causes strain to pass.
- feeling remains of the stool even after passing.
- bloating and nausea
- stomach ache and cramps
- loss of appetite
Causes: - dietery changes
- activity changes or lack of activity
- lifestyle changes
- not relieving when bowel movement urges are felt.
- stress factors
- medication side effects
- dehydrated
- pregnancy
- aging
- laxative abuse
Affected and risk groups - patients on antacids or calcium or aluminum medications
- digestive disorder patients
- sedantary lifestyle
- People with eating disorders
Treatment - Fibre supplements like Fybogel
- Stimulant Laxatives like Bisacodyl
- Stool softeners like Coloxyl
- Osmotic laxatives like sorbitol
Prevention - Dietery changes to introduce more well balanced diet
- Keep moderate levels of hydration
- Keep moderate levels of activity on a daily basis
Lifestyle Adaptations - increase water intake unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
- increase fibre and fruits in the diet
- incorporate more exercise in the daily routine
- empty the bowel when feel the urge to.
- reduce caffeine intake
- reduce milk intake
Complications and urgent medical advice when: - blood in stool
- severe pain with bowel activity
- constipated for more than one week
- the stool appearance has changed
All these and more are available at Health First pharmacy...visit us for all your health needs first...talk to us first!!!
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