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My Mother Is 88. She Has Been Diagnosed With Diverticulitis
Question: My mother is 88. She has been diagnosed with diverticulitis. She was hospitalized for a week and was on IV antibiotics. She also had an abscess in her lower abdomen, This resolved with the IV and oral antibiotics given upon discharge, She is suffering from constipation. She has added fiber to her diet. What can she use as a laxative for this?
Brief Answer:
bulk forming laxative helps great.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor services.
I have read your query and here is my advise.
* As per my surgical experience, the issue of moderate constipation with diverticulitis
can be best managed with bulk forming laxative as Ispaghula husk or Psyllim husk for
fine results with least problems against stimulant laxatives as liquid paraffin or else.
* In case of severe constipation ( as no motion since 4-5 days ), suppository helps great.
- Bulk forming laxatives as Ispaghula or Psyllium husk has property of making bulk of
intestine contents in various clinical conditions of aged including diverticulitis and
antibiotic induced conditions.
@ It will show up results with a period of 2-3 days time, not instant.
@ Has to be consumed as 3 teaspoonful content with a glass of lukewarm drinking
water at night and dose adjustment as per the progress.
- Strong laxatives as Bisacodyl and liquid paraffin are not advisable as they stimulate
hyper peristalsis and all high chances of severe diarrhea with fluid electrolyte
imbalance.
* Over and above this following are other helpful tips for her
- check that any other medications are not responsible for causing constipation as many
pain killers, antibiotics are known to have such side effects.
- Maintain her hydration with plenty of liquids ( necessary for digestion and stool
formation ).
- If possible and allowed by consultant, keep her ambulatory till possible.
- Deep breathing exercises and YOGA also help great.
- Control of blood sugar, cholesterol and other vital parameters.
Wish her best recovery.
Do feel free to discuss further regarding the issue.
Regards.
Dr Bhagyesh ( MS consultant surgeon )
bulk forming laxative helps great.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor services.
I have read your query and here is my advise.
* As per my surgical experience, the issue of moderate constipation with diverticulitis
can be best managed with bulk forming laxative as Ispaghula husk or Psyllim husk for
fine results with least problems against stimulant laxatives as liquid paraffin or else.
* In case of severe constipation ( as no motion since 4-5 days ), suppository helps great.
- Bulk forming laxatives as Ispaghula or Psyllium husk has property of making bulk of
intestine contents in various clinical conditions of aged including diverticulitis and
antibiotic induced conditions.
@ It will show up results with a period of 2-3 days time, not instant.
@ Has to be consumed as 3 teaspoonful content with a glass of lukewarm drinking
water at night and dose adjustment as per the progress.
- Strong laxatives as Bisacodyl and liquid paraffin are not advisable as they stimulate
hyper peristalsis and all high chances of severe diarrhea with fluid electrolyte
imbalance.
* Over and above this following are other helpful tips for her
- check that any other medications are not responsible for causing constipation as many
pain killers, antibiotics are known to have such side effects.
- Maintain her hydration with plenty of liquids ( necessary for digestion and stool
formation ).
- If possible and allowed by consultant, keep her ambulatory till possible.
- Deep breathing exercises and YOGA also help great.
- Control of blood sugar, cholesterol and other vital parameters.
Wish her best recovery.
Do feel free to discuss further regarding the issue.
Regards.
Dr Bhagyesh ( MS consultant surgeon )
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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