Posted on: January 22, 2013 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

For some people, bowel movements can prove to be highly erratic. In some cases, days may pass, before such people can relieve themselves of bodily waste. In common parlance, this condition is called constipation. Whether it is genetically inherited, or wrought by an unhealthy diet, constipation can prove to be highly frustrating for those, who suffer from it, rendering them susceptible to early morning irritation and discomfiture.

In many cases, simply changes in the diet, basic exercises, increased water intake, and adjustments in sleeping habits, can alleviate constipation symptoms. It may, however, be the case that such changes are not enough, and you need some medicinal choices. If you fall in the latter category, then read on.

1. OTC Laxatives

Due to the commonality of constipation, there are a number of Over-the-Counter laxatives that can be easily purchased by patients, even without a prescription. These medicines, however, can prove to be highly addictive. Thus, you are recommended to avail them, as an option, only if the more natural changes in your daily habits don’t yield any results.

Nevertheless, there are various kinds of laxatives, and you should be informed about them. For instance, fiber supplements like Metamucil, Serutan and Konsyl are considered to be the safest best. These can be purchased in bulk.

In addition to the above supplements, there are different varieties of stimulants (like Dulcolax and Correctol), stool softeners (like Colace), and osmotics (like Cephulac) that can be bought from the medicine stores. For better results, decision to use such medicines should be taken after consultation with a certified gastrologist.

2. Advanced Medications

If the earlier varieties of OTC medicines do not work for you, then you have to look into advanced alternatives. After consultation with a doctor, you might be prescribed with medicines that make use of chloride channel activators that increase fluid content of stool, making it easier to discharge.

In other cases, a 5-HT-4 antagonist might be also used. These kinds of medicines, like Prucalopride, decrease the transit time of the colon, and increase the fluid composition of your intestines. There are some safety issues that relate to these medicines. Therefore, you must only consume these, if nothing else works.

3. Other Procedures

In case of constipation symptoms that do not dispel, even after medicine intake, manual or surgical procedures may be applied on patients. Such procedures are highly specialized, and focused on locating and curing specific problems. For instance: surgical removal of damaged colon parts can be undertaken, or the root of your constipation problem may be diagnosed and allayed with the help of colonoscopy.

 4. Treatments for Special Cases

While constipation causes are more or less standard, certain special cases can arise. For instance: you symptoms may be the result of a dysfunction of the pelvic base. In this case, biofeedback might be effective. Pregnancy can also lead to constipation, making it necessary for you to drink plenty of fluids, and eat lots of whole grains.

By following the above advices, you might relive yourself of constipation.

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