Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Suffering From Constipation, Bowel Movement. Taking Stool Softener. Blood Test- Low WBC Count. What Could It Be?
Hi my grandson is 19 years old and has suffered with constipation for a number of years, he is taking a stool softener which has helped a lot. However he didn't take it for 2 days last weekend, and when he came home all the blood vessels on his face had burst from trying to have a bowel movement while he was away. He also had some blood tests done over the past month or so, and his doctor said he has a low white cell count, but she doesn't know if it's connected to the bowel problem. He is just getting over a bout of flu and seems to be sleeping a lot over the past few weeks ie. sometimes all day at weekends and all night too. What do you think it could be?
Wed, 5 Jun 2013
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
Constipation is usually related to diet but in some persons there can be other causes.
In terms of diet it can be related to lack of sufficient intake of fiber. It is recommended that persons use at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day, in addition the use of whole grain foods, oats, barley, flax seeds may also be helpful.Overuse of coffee and tea can worsen constipation.
The other potential causes of constipation are:structural lesions within the colon, low potassium, low level of thyroid hormone, high parathyroid hormone, neurological conditions, side effect of medications.
It may be best to have him fully assessed by his doctor to determine what is causing his problem.
I hope this helps
Constipation is usually related to diet but in some persons there can be other causes.
In terms of diet it can be related to lack of sufficient intake of fiber. It is recommended that persons use at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day, in addition the use of whole grain foods, oats, barley, flax seeds may also be helpful.Overuse of coffee and tea can worsen constipation.
The other potential causes of constipation are:structural lesions within the colon, low potassium, low level of thyroid hormone, high parathyroid hormone, neurological conditions, side effect of medications.
It may be best to have him fully assessed by his doctor to determine what is causing his problem.
I hope this helps
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Hemorrhoid
Loading Online Doctors....