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What Causes Severe Constipation?
Question: I have severe constipation and I would want to have a stool test in order to detect any bad bacteria in my digestive system.
Unfortunately I have to use anema for elimination, so I cannot do the regular stool test, as the feces are too liquid.
Is there any way I can have a stool test under these circumstances?
Unfortunately I have to use anema for elimination, so I cannot do the regular stool test, as the feces are too liquid.
Is there any way I can have a stool test under these circumstances?
Brief Answer:
You need proper investigations for constipation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM
Constipation is generally due to functional reasons.It is not due to bad bacteria because bacteria causes dysentery or softening of stool.
There may be various reasons for constipation.Proper investigation is necessary due to your age.
Firstly,you should concentrate regarding your diet.You should take high fiber diet in the form of fruits and vegetables.
Avoid fried and oily food.
You should increase your physical activity and at least go for walking .
Take meals at regular intervals and avoid nicotine,caffeine etc.
Take adequate sleep.
Ultrasound of abdomen should also be done.It will screen any abdominal pathology like mass etc.CT scan can be done if needed.Colonoscopy is also advised in certain cases.
TSH level should also be assessed.
Avoid laxatives for long duration as these are habit forming.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
You need proper investigations for constipation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM
Constipation is generally due to functional reasons.It is not due to bad bacteria because bacteria causes dysentery or softening of stool.
There may be various reasons for constipation.Proper investigation is necessary due to your age.
Firstly,you should concentrate regarding your diet.You should take high fiber diet in the form of fruits and vegetables.
Avoid fried and oily food.
You should increase your physical activity and at least go for walking .
Take meals at regular intervals and avoid nicotine,caffeine etc.
Take adequate sleep.
Ultrasound of abdomen should also be done.It will screen any abdominal pathology like mass etc.CT scan can be done if needed.Colonoscopy is also advised in certain cases.
TSH level should also be assessed.
Avoid laxatives for long duration as these are habit forming.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Greetings,
Thank you very much for your answer.
I am doing all of the things that you advised me to do for a long time (years): eat healthy, mostly vegetables, high fiber, fish, chicken, turkey and occasionally lamb.
I do a fair amount of work around the house and I walk every other day.
I did have CT scan, but it didn't show anything abnormal. I also had colonoscopy few years ago and it didn't show anything suspect.
Any other advice on what should I do to get rid of constipation (through natural medicine) would be very much appreciated.
Best regards, XXXXXXX
Thank you very much for your answer.
I am doing all of the things that you advised me to do for a long time (years): eat healthy, mostly vegetables, high fiber, fish, chicken, turkey and occasionally lamb.
I do a fair amount of work around the house and I walk every other day.
I did have CT scan, but it didn't show anything abnormal. I also had colonoscopy few years ago and it didn't show anything suspect.
Any other advice on what should I do to get rid of constipation (through natural medicine) would be very much appreciated.
Best regards, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Please find detail answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM
As most of the relevant investigations has been done already then certainly constipation in your case is functional.
It is good that you are following methods discussed earlier.
Besides this you can take
1.Olive oil: It is good for relieving constipation.
2.Triphala: it is a herb used in Ayurveda (the traditional medicine of India) to promote digestive health and to ease constipation.
3.You should also take honey,red raspberry,yougurt,aloe,senna etc.
4.You can take food containing high sorbitol like apples,apricots,gooseberries, grapes,peaches,pears,plums,prunes,raspberries,strawberries etc.High sorbitol in these fruits draws water in the intestine.
Last but not the least is don't ignore the feeling of needing the toilet.Some people suppress this feeling if they are busy or they don't feel the urge.It may result in a backlog of stools which is difficult to pass later.When you go to the toilet,you should be unhurried,spend enough time to ensure that you can empty your bowel.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Please find detail answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM
As most of the relevant investigations has been done already then certainly constipation in your case is functional.
It is good that you are following methods discussed earlier.
Besides this you can take
1.Olive oil: It is good for relieving constipation.
2.Triphala: it is a herb used in Ayurveda (the traditional medicine of India) to promote digestive health and to ease constipation.
3.You should also take honey,red raspberry,yougurt,aloe,senna etc.
4.You can take food containing high sorbitol like apples,apricots,gooseberries, grapes,peaches,pears,plums,prunes,raspberries,strawberries etc.High sorbitol in these fruits draws water in the intestine.
Last but not the least is don't ignore the feeling of needing the toilet.Some people suppress this feeling if they are busy or they don't feel the urge.It may result in a backlog of stools which is difficult to pass later.When you go to the toilet,you should be unhurried,spend enough time to ensure that you can empty your bowel.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
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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