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Suggest Treatment For Acute Constipation

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Posted on Fri, 13 Jun 2014
Question: What should I do?I hacve bad constipation,have taken senokot and duphalac ,this normally helps but hasnt this time.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
an enema may be needed

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Since these two laxative methods have been effective , you may need to use an enema.
In acute severe constipation, either manual disimpaction or enemas are most effective.
Since manual impaction should be done be only by a professional to prevent tears to the anus, enemas would be the best option.

The enema such as fleet enema should help to relieve this acute event but then the focus would be preventing recurrence.

Laxatives should not be used too often because in the long run they affect the normal function of the bowel and it is possible to become dependent on them to have a bowel movement.

The best option for prevention would be to increase fluid and fiber intake.
If it is not possible to increase fiber intake by diet alone then the use of fiber supplements such metamucil would be helpful.
The sugar free works better than version with sugar.
The dose can be increased or decreased on a week to week basis as needed.

You should try for at least 8 glasses of fluid a day along with this fiber.

summary: try an enema at this point

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (15 hours later)
thank you for that, when I push out my stomach,it appears to stick out more on the left side.Is this normal?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
may be due to stool collection

Detailed Answer:
HI

Stool would back up first on the left side of the colon because the left aspect leads to the rectum and then anus.
The collection of stool in this area may be the reason for the bulge you are noticing

If you are still concerned you may want to consider having your abdomen assessed by your doctor.

Please feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Acute Constipation

Brief Answer: an enema may be needed Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic Since these two laxative methods have been effective , you may need to use an enema. In acute severe constipation, either manual disimpaction or enemas are most effective. Since manual impaction should be done be only by a professional to prevent tears to the anus, enemas would be the best option. The enema such as fleet enema should help to relieve this acute event but then the focus would be preventing recurrence. Laxatives should not be used too often because in the long run they affect the normal function of the bowel and it is possible to become dependent on them to have a bowel movement. The best option for prevention would be to increase fluid and fiber intake. If it is not possible to increase fiber intake by diet alone then the use of fiber supplements such metamucil would be helpful. The sugar free works better than version with sugar. The dose can be increased or decreased on a week to week basis as needed. You should try for at least 8 glasses of fluid a day along with this fiber. summary: try an enema at this point I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions