There are a lot of constipation related products on the supermarket shelves. Each seems to address the problem slightly differently. Choosing the right product is hard because no one really wants to discuss the causes or remedies for this embarrassing problem.
Causes
Dehydration: One of the objects of the large intestine is to remove useful fluids from feces. If the intestine doesn’t have enough fluid, the feces can become hard and stuck.
Pain: This is usually a problem for young children rather than adults. If it hurts to go to the bathroom, they will hold it until it *has* to come out, and it will cause more pain. This can become a cycle that no one wants.
Medication: There are several types of medication that can cause constipation. To find out if you are on any of them, it’s important to read about each medication or ask the pharmacist if this might be a problem.
Diet: Who among us actually eats enough fiber? In my experience, not many people do. Fiber is important for a lot of reasons, and moving food along the digestive tract to its intended location is one of them.
What Should I Do?
Each of these has different answers. Dehydration is simple; just drink more water. Do watch out for alcohol or caffeine, as they have the ability to make the situation worse.
If you suspect your child is going through the “pain, hold it and then more pain” cycle, contact your pediatrician. Adult products are dangerous for young children. Relieving this process will take time and careful monitoring of the situation.
Never stop taking a medication prescribed for you without consulting your doctor…even if it is causing constipation. Some of these medications are necessary. Others may be replaced by a medication which doesn’t cause the problem.
In this case, your doctor may suggest a stool softener first. These products come in handy, but they can be very expensive. However, if it keeps you safe, it’s worth the price.
As for diet, you’ve got two choices. Try to increase fiber on your own or consult your doctor. I suggest the latter first. There may be more to the problem than fiber, and the doctor can tell you which product is best in your situation. If your doctor does recommend a fiber product, follow the directions carefully. Many of them require large amounts of water to work safely and effectively.
What about Over-the-Counter/Alternative Medicines?
Whether the product is a laxative or an herbal remedy, approach with caution. People react differently to the different chemicals in the products, and they are not all the same. How your body reacts could range from comfortable relief of the condition to being chained to the bathroom for a day and a half.
Herbal laxatives often cause the latter. The most frequently used is senna, as it tends to be milder than others and it doesn’t have as many complications. If someone recommends aloe or cascara segrada, you will need to talk to someone who knows these herbs *and* your doctor. The former has cardiac related chemicals and the latter is extremely harsh.
Constipation can become a serious problem if ignored. Finding the best way to resolve it takes teamwork. It does mean talking about an embarrassing subject, but the outcome is worth the conversation.
