TIPS TO RELIEVE CONSTIPATION
PROBLEM
Constipation is an infrequent and difficult passing of hard stools and sensation of incomplete emptying or straining.
CAUSE
There are many reasons why you have constipation. You may have just one or a combination of causes:
A.Not drinking enough liquids.
B.Eating a low-fiber diet.
C.Sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise.
D.Ignoring the urge to go to the bathroom.
E.Taking drugs, including blood pressure medications, antidepressants, pain medications, and antacids, or overusing laxatives.
F.Depression.
G.Other medical conditions.
PREVENTION
A.Go to the bathroom as soon as you have the urge to have a bowel movement (BM). Do not wait.
B.Make a regular toilet time, such as after breakfast; 15 to 20 minutes after breakfast is a good time because spontaneous movement is greatest during that period.
C.Use a footrest during elimination to provide support and decrease straining.
D.Do not rely on laxatives; use prune juice as a natural substitute.
E.Stimulate the intestine by drinking hot or cold water or prune juice before eating.
F.Decrease eating sweets, which increase bacterial growth in the intestine and can lead to gas.
G.Make a list of all of your medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and herbals so that you and your healthcare provider can review them and discuss what can be stopped
TREATMENT PLAN
A.Follow the suggested prevention tips.
B.Change to a high-fiber diet.
C.Get daily exercise.
Activity: Daily exercise such as walking helps to maintain healthy bowel patterns.
Diet:
A.Eat a high-fiber diet.
B.Restrict cheese: It causes constipation.
C.Drink at least eight glasses of water each day.
D.Avoid refined cereals and breads, pastries, and sugar.
E.Coffee, tea, and alcohol decrease water to the colon. Limit to two drinks per day.
Medications: You may be prescribed a stool softener or a laxative for short-term use only. You may be prescribed a bulk-forming agent to take on a regular basis to increase the bulk of your stool.
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If You Have:
A.Fever.
B.Severe abdominal pain.
C.Nausea and vomiting.
D.Not had a BM and you are not able to pass gas.
E.Constipation that continues after diet changes and exercise.
F.Noticed blood in your BM.
G.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE