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Suggest Treatment For Constipation

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Posted on Wed, 21 Dec 2016
Question: little gas but no bowel movement in 3 days I eat a lot of bread and honey buns
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Treatment for constipation.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Well, at 3 days of no BM, it is time to start trying some things like stool softeners and laxatives, but likely not at the point of needing an enema.

One of the mildest treatments is to drink prune juice - especially helpful if you have it before going to bed, but you can drink it at any time. You can either buy bottled, or buy a few (or a box) of prunes and stew them in a little water and drink it warm.

Next up you can try Milk of Magnesia. This contains magnesium hydroxide which works as a laxative.

You can also try docusate sodium (Colace) or bisacodyl (Dulcolax).

These are all fairly gentle treatments for constipation.

Other than the prune juice and other juices, I am hesitant to recommend increasing fruit and vegetables while an acute episode of constipation is going on because these can increase gas and bloating if you aren't able to move them out of your system.

But after this episode of constipation resolves, increase fruits and vegetables in your diet to prevent recurrences (and because they are good for you).

I hope this helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Constipation

Brief Answer: Treatment for constipation. Detailed Answer: Hello, Well, at 3 days of no BM, it is time to start trying some things like stool softeners and laxatives, but likely not at the point of needing an enema. One of the mildest treatments is to drink prune juice - especially helpful if you have it before going to bed, but you can drink it at any time. You can either buy bottled, or buy a few (or a box) of prunes and stew them in a little water and drink it warm. Next up you can try Milk of Magnesia. This contains magnesium hydroxide which works as a laxative. You can also try docusate sodium (Colace) or bisacodyl (Dulcolax). These are all fairly gentle treatments for constipation. Other than the prune juice and other juices, I am hesitant to recommend increasing fruit and vegetables while an acute episode of constipation is going on because these can increase gas and bloating if you aren't able to move them out of your system. But after this episode of constipation resolves, increase fruits and vegetables in your diet to prevent recurrences (and because they are good for you). I hope this helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.