Brief Answer:
Take Miralax.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

You can ask your gastroenterologist to prescribe you Polyethelene Glycol. Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution is used to empty the colon. PEG-ES is in a class of medications called osmotic laxatives. It works by causing watery diarrhea so that - the stool can be emptied from the colon. The medication also contains electrolytes to prevent dehydration and other serious side effects that may be caused by fluid loss as the colon is emptied.

Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG-ES) comes as a powder to mix with water and take by mouth. You have to drink one 8 ounce of PEG-ES every 10 or 15 minutes, and to continue drinking until your liquid bowel movements are clear. It will clear your bowel., you can take Magnesium citrate also. It is also a osmotic diuretic with same effect as Polyethylene glycol. It is available as Miralax and is OTC. This is for immediate relief.

A drastic change in lifestyle is required to cure constipation. Not exercising enough, not drinking enough water and delaying a bowel movement can worsen constipation symptoms. The most important factor in curing constipation is a natural and simple diet. This should consist of unrefined food such as whole grain cereals, bran, honey and lentils; green leafy vegetables, like spinach, beans, lettuce, celery, asparagus, carrot. Adding some fat to meals or increasing the size of a meal such as breakfast can help create the urge to defecate. Individuals suffering from constipation should increase the amount of plant foods they consume to get more fiber in their diet. Constipation can be treated by changing diets.

Secondly human gastrointestinal tract is colonized by 1013-14 bacteria of 400 different species and subspecies. They are responsible for proper digestion of food. Depletion of this flora due to surgery can lead to severe constipation and digestive problems.

Intestinal flora are types of microorganisms known as probiotics that live normally as part of the intestinal tract. These organisms have several functions that help the body. The most plentiful and important bacteria in the small intestine is the Lactobacillus species. Lactobacillus helps ferment indigestible carbohydrates. It also helps to stimulate the digestive process and aid the absorption of nutrients, as well as increase the motility of the gastro-intestinal tract.

I would suggest her to start taking probiotics regularly. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for digestion. As her gut flora will improve her constipation would be relieved and well formed stools will pass.

Hope I have answered your query.

Thank you.

Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar
Gastroenterologist

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