Hi

Constipation is medically defined as less than 3 stool per week and is usually associated with straining, hard,lumpy stools. Some persons may also have the feeling of blockage and feeling as though all the stool did come out.
In severe constipation a persons stools less than once a week.

Constipation may be called chronic or longtermed if it lasts more than 12 weeks.
Constipation may be caused by : inadequate water or fiber intake
ignoring the urge to defecate/stool
excess intake of coffee, tea, alcohol
inadequate physical activity
overuse of laxatives
side effects of some medications such as antiacids, calcium channel blockers, NSAIDS such as ibuprofen, cataflam

It can also be associated with systemic illness such as : high calcium, low levels of thyroid hormone,low potassium,diabetes, neurological disorders

In most persons constipation is not investigated unless it is: sudden onset, associated with weight loss and loss of appetite,severe or getting worse.
Bleeding can occur because of straining, it can also result from hemorrhoids which can be associated with constipation or in more serious cases lesions in the colon ( usually have symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, vomiting)
If the bleeding continues you may want to see your doctor to see if you have hemorrhoids or there is any other cause of the bleeding.

Treatment involves: increase use of fluids mainly water, minimize milk as this may worsen constipation in some persons
increase fiber intake from fruits, vegetables ( 5 servings of fruits and vegetables is recommended )and cereals suchs as oats or XXXXXXX
in some persons a fiber supplement may be necessary such as metamucil- these supplements are started at low doses and increased until the desired effect occurs
a stool softener can also be used such as docusate

If with the use of these over the counter treatments , you still experience significant symptoms then you should consider going to your doctor for a review

I hope this information helps, feel free to ask any other questions

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hi

Any fruits or vegetables would be fine , they all contain fiber, choose which ever ones that you prefer to eat, there is no specific one you have to eat. Only the amounts are specified, 5 servings of fruits and/or vegetables a day, so fruits and/or vegetables with each of your main meals and in addition to or replacing your snacks.
You can also use fiber supplements such as metamucil or citrucil which will also increase your daily fiber intake.

The name of the stool softener that is commonly use is docusate (this is the name of the actual drug), it may be branded under different names in different countries, you would look for it in the ingredient list of the stool softeners or ask a pharmacist at your local pharmacy.

You can use the water anytime you wish, the more the better, you should use at least 8 glasses a day, the temperature does not matter.

In terms of the pain you may be experiencing at this moment,you can consider short term use of acetaminophen (paracetamol) or short term use of NSAIDS such as cataflam, voltaren or ibuprofen (in the short term, there is minimal effects)

I hope this helps, feel free to ask anything else

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