Constipation Treatments
You usually don’t need to visit a doctor if you are suffering from constipation. That may also be the case even if you do suffer from it occasionally. The only time you will have to think of going to a doctor when constipated is when it becomes quite persistent. The ideal thing to do is to try constipation treatments that will work for you. Only if the problem persists will you have to request professional help.
Constipation Treatments
There isn’t a single reason why people get constipated. With this in mind, you should understand that there is no universal cure for constipation. However, there are several things you can try to alleviate the symptoms you are feeling. Here are some of the things you can do on your own to treat constipation.
Conservative Treatment
Many people find conservative treatment approaches to be quite effective. The majority of the cases will respond to this kind of treatment. These treatments work most of the time for more people who get constipated. Another plus to this approach is the fact that you almost don’t need to take any kind of medication.
Conservative treatment involves taking on lifestyle changes, changing your diet, and if needed, taking mild laxatives. With this kind of approach to constipation treatment you will be required to take in the right amount of fiber required for your diet, which is about 20-35 grams of fiber.
You will also be required to drink 64 ounces of liquid, including juice and water, every day. Part of this mode of treatment involves limiting your intake of meat, processed food, ice cream, and other low-fiber foods.
Lifestyle changes in conservative treatment consist of adding an exercise regimen. You will also be required to take time for bowel movement. This basically means to have bowel movement when it is actually needed.
Now, if you do not see any changes after following all the above, then you will have to take mild laxatives. The laxative options available to you include bulk forming laxatives (like Serutan and Citrucel), stimulant (like Dulcolax and Correctol), lubricant laxatives (like mineral oil), and saline laxatives (like citrate of magnesia or milk of magnesia).
Tip: if you get dizzy, irregular heartbeat, muscle cramping, dehydration, nausea, asthma, or any other side effects after taking laxatives you should immediately go to your doctor.
Other Treatment Options
There are other constipation treatment methods you can try in case the above outlined conservative method does not work. Here are some of your options:
Rectal Suppositories: help give lubrication and stimulates the defecation reflex. Suppositories that contain bisacodyl have an additional effectiveness.
Bowel Retraining: provides relief for those who have acquired the habit of ignoring the urge. You may have to sit at the toilet for 20 minutes each morning to regain the necessary reflexes. During this exercise never strain at it.
Biofeedback: will usually be recommended as a constipation treatment for chronic conditions. Sensors will monitor a patient’s muscle activity. Doctors can better assess one’s body functions and help the patient use anorectal muscles.
Enemas: useful when oral laxatives just won’t work. You can get disposable enemas which contain non-absorbable salts.
Surgery: this is a constipation treatment that will be necessary for those with severe symptoms. The colon will be surgically removed.
