How can I treat my constipation?You can most often treat your constipation at home by doing the following Show
Change what you eat and drinkChanging what you eat and drink may make your stools softer and easier to pass. To help relieve your symptoms
Read about what you should eat and drink to help relieve constipation. Depending on your age and sex, adults should get 22 to 34 grams of fiber a day.3 Get regular physical activityGetting regular physical activity may help relieve your symptoms. Try bowel trainingYour doctor may suggest that you try to train yourself to have a bowel movement at the same time each day to help you become more regular. For example, trying to have a bowel movement 15 to 45 minutes after breakfast may help, because eating helps your colon move stool. Make sure you give yourself enough time to have a bowel movement, and use the bathroom as soon as you feel the need to go. Try to relax your muscles or put your feet on a footstool to make yourself more comfortable. Stop taking certain medicines or dietary supplementsIf you think certain medicines or dietary supplements are causing your constipation, talk with your doctor. He or she may change the dose or suggest a different medicine that does not cause constipation. Don’t change or stop any medicine or supplement without talking with a health care professional. Take over-the-counter medicinesYour health care professional may recommend using a laxative for a short time. He or she will tell you what type of laxative is best for you
You should only use stimulants if your constipation is severe or other treatments have not worked. If you’ve been taking laxatives for a long time and can’t have a bowel movement without taking a laxative, talk with your doctor about how you can slowly stop using them. If you stop taking laxatives, over time, your colon should start moving stool normally. Your doctor may suggest using a laxative for a short time. He or she will tell you what type of laxative is best for you.How do doctors treat constipation?If self-care treatments don’t work, your doctor may prescribe a medicine to treat your constipation. If you’re taking an over-the-counter or prescription medicine or supplement that can cause constipation, your doctor may suggest you stop taking it, change the dose, or switch to a different one. Talk with your doctor before changing or stopping any medicines. Prescription medicinesYour doctor may prescribe one of the following medicines for constipation
Biofeedback therapyIf you have problems with the muscles that control bowel movements, your doctor may recommend biofeedback therapy to retrain your muscles. By using biofeedback therapy, you can change how you make your muscles work. SurgeryYour doctor may recommend surgery to treat an anorectal blockage caused by rectal prolapse if other treatments don’t work. Your doctor may perform surgery to remove your colon if your colon muscles don’t work correctly. If your doctor recommends surgery, ask about the benefits and risks. How can I prevent constipation?You can help prevent constipation by doing some of the same things that treat constipation
Learn more about how you can help prevent constipation with eating, diet, and nutrition. ReferenceWhat recommendations should be included in client teaching as a means of avoiding constipation?Getting more exercise: Regular exercise can help keep stool moving through the colon. Drinking more water: Aim for eight glasses daily, and avoid caffeine, as it can be dehydrating. Go when you feel like it: When you feel the urge to go, don't wait.
What advice is recommended for constipation?Some recommendations to help relieve your constipation include: Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day. Avoid caffeine-containing drinks and alcohol, which can cause dehydration. Add fruits, vegetables whole grains and other high-fiber foods to your diet.
How can we educate a patient about constipation?Guidelines to Treat Constipation. Eat three meals each day. ... . Gradually increase the amount of high-fiber foods in your diet.. Choose more whole grain breads, cereals and rice.. Select more raw fruits and vegetables -- eat the peel, if appropriate.. Read food labels and look for the "dietary fiber" content of foods.. How do you manage a client with constipation?The key to treating most patients with constipation is correction of dietary deficiencies. This generally involves increasing intake of fiber and fluid and decreasing the use of constipating agents, such as milk products, coffee, tea, and alcohol.
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