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| I eat fruits and drink plenty of water everyday but I still suffer from constipation. What should I do? | |
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Question: I eat fruits and drink plenty of water everyday but I still suffer from constipation. What should I do?
Answer:
Constipation occurs when stools become harder or drier than usual, making it more difficult to move your bowel. Some people think they should have a bowel movement everyday, when there is actually no "right" frequency of bowel movements. You should consider yourself to be constipated if you experience difficulty in moving your bowels due to hard stools.
Certain medicines such as codeine (for cough) and anti-diarrhoeal medicine may cause or aggravate constipation. Ask your pharmacist to rule out such possibilities.
Taking plenty of fruits, vegetables and fluid and having regular exercise is the main solution. Laxatives may be useful if these efforts are to no avail.
Laxatives increase the frequency and ease of bowel movements. Different types of laxatives available work through different mechanisms.
Bulk-forming laxatives These laxatives contain fibrous materials such as cellulose and psyllium that absorb liquid and swell in the intestines, making the stool soft, bulky and easier to pass. They are usually effective within 2-3 days.
Lubricant laxatives Lubricant laxatives eg. mineral oil, soften and moisten stool, and work within 6-8 hours.
Stimulant laxatives They stimulate muscles and nerves in the intestines, causing bowel movement. There are tablets or suppositories which work within 6-12 hours and 15-60 minutes, respectively.
Osmotic laxatives
If you are unsure which laxative is suitable for you, or if you have any other medical conditions or medications, do approach your pharmacist for advice. Laxatives must not be used for long term and the above-mentioned non-medicinal measures are always necessary.
Source: Loh Li Ling, Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore More information and advice can be obtained from your pharmacist. Send your questions to sthealth@sph.com.sg
References: 1. Constipation http://www.pharmasave.com/library/foundarticle.asp?artID=348 2. Laxatives |