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Question: Hi Dr,
I have a few problems with my bowels. So on Sunday night I had a small case of diarrhea which was only for a day. Now since Sunday I have not been able to pass any stools so it feels as if I am now the opposite and constipated. I feel slight adombal discomfort and bloatness. Usually I pass stools every one to two days. I have suffered from this before in the past and I also do suffer from acid reflux and I took Gaviscon tablets a couple days before getting the diarrhea. Do you think it would be worth me using a laxative if by tomorrow night I still don't poo? Bear in mind I haven't used one before.
Kind Regards,
XXXX
I have a few problems with my bowels. So on Sunday night I had a small case of diarrhea which was only for a day. Now since Sunday I have not been able to pass any stools so it feels as if I am now the opposite and constipated. I feel slight adombal discomfort and bloatness. Usually I pass stools every one to two days. I have suffered from this before in the past and I also do suffer from acid reflux and I took Gaviscon tablets a couple days before getting the diarrhea. Do you think it would be worth me using a laxative if by tomorrow night I still don't poo? Bear in mind I haven't used one before.
Kind Regards,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
yes, if do not have movement by tomorrow, can use one
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Constipation would be defined as passing hard stool or passing stool less than 3 times a week (3 or more days apart).
Since tomorrow would be 3 days for you, you can consider the laxative if you do not have a bowel movement.
In some persons, a history of diarrhea, even if it is short can subsequently cause constipation because the bowel is now repairing itself and is not ready for bowel movements as yet.
After using the laxative (if it is needed), it would be important to remember not to lose laxatives too regularly.
If used regularly can cause rebound constipation.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
yes, if do not have movement by tomorrow, can use one
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Constipation would be defined as passing hard stool or passing stool less than 3 times a week (3 or more days apart).
Since tomorrow would be 3 days for you, you can consider the laxative if you do not have a bowel movement.
In some persons, a history of diarrhea, even if it is short can subsequently cause constipation because the bowel is now repairing itself and is not ready for bowel movements as yet.
After using the laxative (if it is needed), it would be important to remember not to lose laxatives too regularly.
If used regularly can cause rebound constipation.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi thanks for the reply! I just had one other question what foods should I eat while this is occuring and what should I avoid? Should I try Fibre supplements?
Brief Answer:
yes,fiber and fluids
Detailed Answer:
HI
Yes, a high fiber diet would be good
At least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, this means with each main meal and as part of a snack if you use snacks between meals
Whole grain foods/ cereals as well as enough fluids would help.
If you do not think you can use all of this fiber then you can use the supplements
Lack of fluids is one cause of constipation, so if possible drink at least 8 glasses of fluids a day, not including caffeine products or alcohol because these have a diuretic effect (they cause the body to lose fluids)
If anything else unclear feel free to ask
yes,fiber and fluids
Detailed Answer:
HI
Yes, a high fiber diet would be good
At least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, this means with each main meal and as part of a snack if you use snacks between meals
Whole grain foods/ cereals as well as enough fluids would help.
If you do not think you can use all of this fiber then you can use the supplements
Lack of fluids is one cause of constipation, so if possible drink at least 8 glasses of fluids a day, not including caffeine products or alcohol because these have a diuretic effect (they cause the body to lose fluids)
If anything else unclear feel free to ask
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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