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Constipation
Kristin
Wong & Cara Kerr, Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing
Definition
- A decreased number
of bowel movements or stools that are hard or small
- Difficulty ("straining")
or pain when having bowel movements
- Difficulty cleaning
after bowel movements
- A feeling of fullness
in the abdomen - some people feel "inflamed"
- Less than three bowel
movements/week is usually thought to be constipation
Causes
- Ignoring the need
to have a bowel movement
- Not enough fluid in
the diet
- Not enough fiber in
the diet
- Lack of activity
- Medications
- More common among older
people
Prevention
- Increase fiber in
the diet (apples with the skin, bananas, blueberries, grapes, carrots, celery,
broccoli, baked potato with skin, baked beans, bagels, cooked brown rice,
whole wheat products, bran flakes, corn flakes, dry roasted peanuts)
- Decrease fat intake
- Dietary fiber may also
be gotten from bran, fiber tablets (Eckerd brand is best price)
- Drink more water -
every day
- Do not ignore the urge
to have a bowel movement and allow time while on the toilet
- Increase activity &
exercise
Other Measures:
Talk with your doctor or nurse practitioner about these
- 5 prunes/day + fiber
+ more water
- Metamucil or Citrucel
(buy the store or generic brand) 1 teaspoon 1-3 times/day with a lot of
water
- Stool softener such
as docusate sodium (Colace, Ducolax, etc.) may be added if the above does
not work - buy the generic brand. Read warning on label.
- Stimulant laxatives
such as senna or bisacodyl may be used every 3 days. Read warnings.
- Milk of magnesia may
be used occasionally, but be sure to read warnings.
- More frequent use of
laxatives can cause health problems.