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How is constipation treated?
The treatment of constipation depends on the type of constipation (acute or chronic) and the severity of symptoms. In acutely constipated patients, who are not otherwise ill, the addition of exercise, increasing fluid intake, and a bulk laxative (high-fiber laxative) may be helpful. Sparing use of over-the-counter laxatives or stool softeners may also be helpful. Counseling, to assure the patient that not all persons have a bowel movement ever day, may be all that's necessary.
In chronically constipated patients, patient education is extremely important. Many chronically constipated patients are not constipated at all, but labor under the misbelief that they should be having a bowel movement every day. Again, counseling to assure the patient that not all persons have a bowel movement every day may be all that's necessary.
Laxatives are successful in treating many types of constipation, but should not be used on a regular basis. Some examples of laxatives include:
- Bulk-forming laxatives are also called fiber supplements. It is important to take them with water. Brand names include Metamucil, Citrucel, Konsyl, and Serutan.
- Stimulants, as their name suggests, stimulates the intestines. Brand names include Correctol, Dulcolax, Purge, and Senokot.
- Lubricants, such as mineral oil, lubricate the stool for easier passage.
- Stool softeners soften stool by providing moisture. These laxatives are recommended after childbirth or surgery. Brand names include Colace and Surfak.
- Saline laxatives use a sponge-like action to absorb water into the intestine for passage of stool. Brand names include Milk of Magnesia and Haley's M-O.
Suppositories or gentle laxatives, such as mineral oil or milk of magnesia, may establish regular bowel movements. Enemas or laxatives should be reserved for severe cases only. Again, laxatives should not be used over a long period because the patient can become dependent on them.
If the chronically constipated patient suffers from other disease symptoms, the treatment of the accompanying disease is of extreme importance. For example, a patient with colon cancer may need immediate surgery. It is important to remember that constipation may be a symptom of a larger problem, and these problems should be ruled out in the chronically constipated patient.
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