Constipation is a common health issue that can be difficult to manage. It is characterized by a frequency in evacuating the bowels.
Constipation and its treatment
Constipation is a problem associated with the digestive system that makes your routine uncomfortable. The condition can be frustrating for people those who are having constipation for a long time as it is time-consuming and even painful. Laxatives are effective remedies for constipation. Keeping your bowel movements regular is essential for a healthy digestive system.
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Initial intervention includes a healthy diet, intake of fluids, and physical activity. There is no single treatment for constipation that works for all individuals since there are many factors that contribute to constipation and cause of the digestive tract problem. Also, people respond differently to various treatments. Some patients need a combination treatment, which should be assessed on a regular basis along with changes instigated if they fail to be effective.
Constipation treatment involves:
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- clearing any fecal impaction,
- use of laxatives depending on the response to treatment,
- Adjusting the doses and frequency as require
- Use of combination laxatives and consideration of individual preferences
Laxatives
There are five groups of laxatives that have been in used to treat constipation namely faecal softeners, stimulants, bowel cleansing preparations, osmotic, and faecal softeners. Initially, a bulk forming laxative should be given to treat constipation symptoms. If your stools remain hard even after treatment with bulk forming laxative, an osmotic laxative will be given along with a bulk forming laxative.
Osmotic laxative such as macrogolas can be used, changing to lactulose in case macrogolas are not working or intolerable. If your stools are soft, but still find difficulty in passing them, a stimulant laxative should be given in the case.
Bulk forming laxatives
Fibre supplements and dietary fibers works in a similar way that they increase the bulk of the stool. Fibre supplements are made from natural plant extracts such as sterculia. It is recommended to take 1 to 2 sachets of the formulation on a regular basis after meals with a glass of water. After taking the preparation, you may experience side effects like increased flatulence and bloating.
Elderly patients with decreased motility or intestinal narrowing should take this constipation remedy under the supervision of a health care specialist. One of the synthetic fiber used for constipation cure is methylcellulose, which works as a faecal softener as well as works to bulk the stools.
Stimulant laxatives
The use of stimulant laxatives increases the constriction and relaxation of the intestinal muscles creating repeated movements that push the contents of the canal forward. These laxatives also stimulate sensory nerve endings and interfere with the electrolyte fluidity to hinder water absorption.
These constipation remedies act rapidly and used in a single dose for temporary constipation and make your stool soft. Remeber that long term use of stimulant laxative can decrease the effectiveness.
Faecal softeners
Faecal softener is one of the remedies for constipation that exerts stimulant and softening actions. These are the constipation remedies that are helpful in preventing hardening of the faeces. They work by adding water to the stools to lubricate and make it easier to pass through the anus.
Docusate is the main ingredient preened in almost all faecal softeners. While preparations such as paraffin and Arachis oil do not have docusate as the active component.
Osmotic laxatives
These are the type of laxatives that increases the amount of water in the bowel either by drawing fluid from the body into the intestine or by retaining the fluid that was taken with. Osmotic laxatives can cause side effects such as nausea, abdominal bloating, and electrolyte imbalance.
One of the potent laxatives is magnesium sulfate; which is useful in generating liquid stools and abdominal distension.
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The best way to treat constipation is to prevent it. You can provide constipation relief by using above mentioned constipation remedies. If your condition is severe, then consult a health care specialist for constipation cure.
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