Diarrhea & Constipation Remedies » Medication

How to Relieve Constipation

Jane — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:50:23 +0000

Constipation is a common condition that will effect almost everyone at some time in their life, although some people may have a much harder time with this digestive ailment than others. There is no strict rule for determining what constipation is -it can vary by person. Not everyone has a bowel movement every day and some may only have three or four a week which can still be considered normal, but any less than that is constipation if it is conjuction with any discomfort. Hard stools or having difficulty passing a stool is also constipation and it can cause many problems from pain to bloating and lack of energy or even poor immune function.
Many factors affect digestion and bowel movement frequency. The foods you eat, whether or not you exercise, water intake, and even the layout of your digestive tract can play a part in the problem. In general, it can be caused when food lingers too long in the large intestine where water is extracted the food you have eaten which means that the remaining food in the tract becomes hard and difficult to budge. Other causes of constipation can be stress, not eating enough fiber, not going to the bathroom when you feel the urge, taking too much iron and taking certain drugs/painkillers.

A raft of medical conditions may also result in forms of constipation. These include pregnancy, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, muscle or nerve problems, and a malfunctioning thyroid gland. A physical examination may be needed to determine the exact cause of constipation, and this should be done if the problem is persistent or interferes with your lifestyle. Procedures like colorectal transit studies, colonoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy are a few familiar tests that can be helpful for diagnosis of the reasons for persistent constipation.

General advice to relieve constipation usually includes eating more fiber in the diet and drinking more water. Certain fruits, vegetables, and grains are very helpful for proper digestion. Prunes, squash, beans and whole grain cereals are often recommended, along with many others. Getting enough exercise and going to the bathroom frequently are important. Only use laxatives upon your doctor’s advice, although some over the counter remedies are perfectly safe to try such as Metamucil or Sienna tablets. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist, however, if you have an existing medical condition which may be causing the constipation and if you are on any medications which can be effected by over the counter remedies.

Constipation is a difficult and sometimes painful problem but it can be corrected and managed with the right treatment and lifestyle changes.

Natural stool softener

Jane — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:48:06 +0000

When you suffer from constipation, wouldn’t you rather put a natural stool softener into your body than a harsh laxative or commercial one that may make you feel even worse?

Constipation is a problem effecting millions of people everyday. It can be caused by anxiety and stress as well as eating the wrong foods such as a diet high in meat and dairy products, not getting enough water into your system, or even certain medications. Experts say we should have two or more bowel movements every day in order to flush out the necessary toxins, although for some people a bowel movement every second day can still be considered normal. One of the first signs of constipation is a headache as a result of the excess toxins followed by sharp pains in the lower stomach or even bloating.

The most natural natural stool softener is water. It takes the recommended eight glasses of fluids a day (which can include your coffee, tea, juices, etc.) to allow your colon to use the fluid in your stool to help transfer of fecal matter to the large intestines. There much of the water is reabsorbed for hydration and to balance your electrolytes. Not enough water leads to a dry and hard stool.

Coffee in the morning stimulates the metabolism and acts as a mild diuretic while prune juice is an excellent natural laxative.

Eating more fiber or taking a fiber supplement helps regulate the fluid in the stool by adding bulk to fecal matter and attracting water to it. Fresh fruit, vegetables, bran, and whole grain foods are excellent fiber sources.

Yogurt with its probiotics promotes healthy intestinal flora and aids in regularity.

Are you aware that exercise and physical activity increases your metabolism and moves stuff around in order to avoid constipation? So be as active as possible.

For temporary and infrequent relief, mineral oil is a natural stool softener if taken before bed so it can work overnight.

Senna is used even in hospitals for constipation and can be purchased to be used in a tasty tea. Hot fluids help to initiate bowel movements.

Try to be patient because it sometimes takes one to three days for natural stool softeners to take effect. Take the softener at night before bed with 8 ounces of water or juice. Read the dosage directions.

Confer with your doctor about your desired stool softener program and diet.

Paradoxical diarrhea

Jane — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:56:01 +0000

Occasionally, people with chronic constipation can also suffer from diarrhea. If you do have an episode of diarrhea while constipated it can be due to something called a fecal impaction. This means that you have a dry, hard stool inside your rectum, but which is not causing a total blockage. This means that loose and watery stool can get past the mass.

Signs and symptoms

You experience constipation, then diarrhea
Cramps in your stomach
You pass blood
Small, irregular stools
Incontinence – leaking watery diarrhea

Fecal impaction most often occurs in people with limited mobility, children or the elderly. Treatment for the condition will be removal of the stool. This might require a mineral oil enema to moisten the stool. Sometimes, your doctor might need to manually break up the stool and remove it from the rectum by hand. In rare cases surgery is required to remove the mass.

Once the condition is treated, changes must be made to diet and exercise so that constipation is less likely to reoccur. These changes include increasing dietary fiber, and introducing exercises to the daily routine where possible. Bulking laxatives might also be used to help prevent constipation, as well as a stool softener.

Fleet Enema

Jane — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 02:10:00 +0000

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A fleet enema is a brand name for a saline laxative, used as an enema to help treat constipation. In any enema a device, usually an enema bag or smaller enema syringe containing liquid, is used to introduce liquid to the rectum and to differing degrees to the colon. There are several reasons for doing so, but a fleet enema is specifically used to help clear the bowel. Fleet enemas contain sodium phosphates as active ingredients. These are salts (different forms) of phosphoric acid. Sodium phosphates are also used in a range of food products and are generally considered safe for use in humans.

Saline laxatives work by holding water in your colon and preventing it from being absorbed. When they are given as an enema, as with a fleet enema, they cause a strong urge to evacuate the bowel and descending colon, and assist in this by hydrating any stools that were hard to pass.

Fleet enemas are most often used to treat constipation that has not been resolved by less invasive methods such as dietary and lifestyle changes, or fiber supplements. Although this treatment is available over the counter in many countries, it is always advisable to discuss your condition with your health care professional before taking any type of laxative.

Fleet enemas are also used in some cases to empty the bowel before a rectal examination or a surgical procedure.

In adults, the normal dosage for fleet enemas is 120mL, and in children half this amount. Children under 2 should not be given this medication unless on advice from a doctor. The enema is administered by inserting the tube into your anus while lying down on your left side, and squeezing the fleet enema bag so that the contents are introduced to your rectum. The nozzle can be removed, but you should remain lying down until you feel the urge to empty your bowel.

Because they contain phosphate salts, fleet enemas should not be used by people suffering from kidney disease, or anyone with imbalances of electrolytes or those on a low salt diet. You should consult your doctor if you have any other known health condition or unusual symptoms, to discuss whether this is the most suitable treatment for you. You should also discuss the suitability of this treatment with your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

As with any laxative, regular use can lead to dependence. Fleet enema should only be used when necessary and the directions on the product should be followed carefully.

In addition to the saline laxative, there is a mineral oil form of fleet enema. This is a lubricant laxative, which also helps you empty your bowel if you are suffering from constipation, without irritating your intestine.

Common Stomach Problems and Associated Remedies

Jane — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:23:46 +0000

There are hundreds of common stomach problems that people face every day. Most are treatable simply by letting your immune system do it’s job as it sends an army of white cells to combat whatever infection is making you sick. Sometimes we take over the counter medications to help combat the nausea, such as Bismuth, commonly known as the name brand Pepto Bismal. Let’s explore some of the more common stomach problems and the treatments that go along with them, as well as which symptoms could be indicative of something more serious and when you should seek help from your provider.

Probably the most common digestive problem that people experience is called GORD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. This is when the stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and causes pain from the top of the abdomen up the chest and bottom of the throat, commonly known as Heartburn. Heartburn problems can be extremely painful, and it is usually treated by antacids. However, in some cases the deterioration is severe and medicine must be prescribed to first bring down the acid levels and then repair the damage to the esophagus.

Before you take painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofin or other NSAIDs for stomach pain that you can’t find a cause for, consider getting it checked out first. You may have a peptic ulcer, a condition experienced by some twenty five million Americans, and taking aspirin or other painkillers will actually hurt the condition, worsen it rather than making it better. An ulcer can cause internal bleeding at some point if you do not receive treatment, and in fact can eat through the wall of the stomach or the small intestine which puts you at serious risk for infection.

Gallstones is another common stomach problem that many people experience. Gallstones are tiny pebbles that are made up of a combination of bile salt and cholesterol mostly. The pain that gallstones cause is generally a sharp pain in the upper abdomen that will increase for approximately thirty minutes. Some patients may also experience pain in the back or shoulder. Gallstones generally require removal of the gallbladder, which is a common surgical procedure with few risks. Obesity can increase these risks. In most cases, if you aren’t experiencing pain from gallstones your gall bladder does not need to come out.

Many people experience stomach pains due to an intolerance to something such as milk in the case of lactose intolerance. As many as fifty million people in the United States are lactose intolerant, meaning that they lack the enzyme that others have that successfully digests the sugars contained in milk. The symptoms of lactose intolerance include gas, bloating, nausea and diarrhea. There are treatments available, such as a pill that replaces the enzyme lactase so that you are able to process the sugars. There are also lactose free products that you can replace milk with, and as far as other dairy products go, most lactose intolerant people can consume a limited amount of dairy products.

An extremely common condition suffered by everyone at some time or another is gas pain, and the cramping that is associated with it may cause concern in some, leaving them thinking that something must be seriously wrong with the amount and level of pain they are dealing with. Foods that are good for us, such as greens, fiber and others can cause stomach gas problems. This causes cramping and bloating in your stomach, which is generally alleviated by flatulence, although often to your embarrassment. There are many over the counter medications that prevent gas, or allow your body to pass it easily without pain.

The last condition that we’ll discuss is constipation. As a nation, we tend to eat in ways that don’t allow our body to dispose of waste effectively, leaving us constipated. Constipation is the inability to pass stools and can be an extremely painful condition if it lasts a long time. Most people will experience constipation at some point in their life, and it is usually treatable with laxatives, milk of magnesia or other over the counter medication. Keeping your diet high in fiber, fruits and vegetables. However, if you go seven days without a bowel movement then you should contact your primary physician.

Hemorrhoid Cures and Prevention

Jane — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:11:49 +0000

Hemorrhoids are a common issue that can be annoying and painful, but are generally not cause for serious concern. While repeated instances of hemorrhoids should be examined by a doctor and some hemorrhoids may require surgery, there are several steps you can take to prevent hemorrhoids or to treat minor hemorrhoids at home. It is important to note that rectal bleeding can be caused by a number of conditions and diseases, such as a variety of cancers; therefore, if rectal bleeding is present, you should be examined by your healthcare provider to rule out other possible causes before assuming it is caused by hemorrhoids.

The first step in managing hemorrhoids and determining the best course of action is to understand what hemorrhoids are, what causes hemorrhoids and the difference between internal and external hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the anal canal. They can be caused by straining during bowel movements or giving birth, or by anything that increases pressure on veins in the rectal or pelvic areas, such as being overweight, pregnancy, hypertension and extended periods of sitting. When veins become swollen or inflamed in the interior wall of the anal canal internal hemorrhoids form; whereas, when veins become inflamed or swollen near the anus, external hemorrhoids are formed. Many people experience both internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids at the same time, and each of these can cause symptoms that include itching, pain and bleeding, particularly after a bowel movement that requires straining.

Preventing hemorrhoids and treating hemorrhoids at home, is centered largely on modifying your diet and lifestyle to encourage healthy bowel movements that do not require straining. For example, avoiding constipation through dietary changes and allowing bowel movements to occur naturally and in their own time, rather than straining to speed up the process, are key components in the prevention of hemorrhoids. Dietary changes that promote healthy bowel movements are a good, natural remedy for hemorrhoids. These include increasing your fiber intake by consuming more whole grains, beans, vegetables and fruits, and increasing your water consumption to avoid dehydration. You can also get additional fiber from psyllium husks, but once again ensure you increase your fresh water intake. Limiting food and beverage items like red meat, cheeses, ice cream, alcohol and caffeinated drinks can also help avoid constipation.

Regular exercise is an important lifestyle change that promotes healthy bowel movements and helps to prevent the recurrence of hemorrhoids. Exercise can also help overweight folks lose excess weight, which will decrease the pressure that causes hemorrhoids. Pregnant women can help to relieve the pressure on the pelvic and rectal areas by sleeping on their side, rather than their back, and anyone who suffers from hemorrhoids should avoid lifting heavy objects whenever possible and should avoid extended periods of sitting or standing.

If necessary, stool softeners can be used; however, laxatives should be avoided, as they can damage the colon and cause further issues.

IBS Medication

Jane — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:51:43 +0000

There is no known cure for Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); however, once properly diagnosed by a healthcare practitioner, there are a number of medications, as well as dietary and lifestyle changes, that can assist you in controlling the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and managing this chronic condition long term. IBS is caused by a brain-gut dysfunction and, while there are no specific medications that address this dysfunction, symptom-specific IBS treamtment is available that focuses on alleviating diarrhea, constipation, abdominal spasms and, if necessary, depression. Because irritable bowel syndrome affects different patients uniquely, and patients respond differently to IBS medications, most patients will need to work closely with their healthcare practitioner to determine the specific combination of lifestyle changes and medications that work best for them.

Patients who experience diarrhea as one of their irritable bowel syndrome symptoms most often use Imodium or Lomotil to alleviate this symptom. These medications assist in water absorption and slow down the transport of waste through the intestines, which can reduce the need for frequent evacuation and can assist in stool consistency. Imodium is a common anti-diarrheal that is often used daily as a preventive medication and is generally considered safe to use in this manner. Patients who choose to take Lomotil should adhere to their prescribed dosage very strictly and should be aware that this anti-diarrheal medication can be addictive and overdosing can prove fatal.

Patients who experience constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome should avoid laxative use, as this can lead to colon damage and dependency on laxatives. While there have been attempts to provide prescription medications to address this symptom, these attempts have largely failed to produce a safe medication without serious possible side effects; therefore, it is generally recommended that IBS patients who experience constipation use a combination of exercise, adequate water intake and an over-the-counter soluble fiber supplement such as metamucil or psyllium husks to relieve this symptom. Taking probiotics can also assist in helping regularity as they restore the “good” bacteria in the gut which can often deplete with medications, stress and poor diet.

Anti-spasmodic and low-dose antidepressant medications are often prescribed to irritable bowel syndrome patients to address the common IBS symptom of abdominal pain or cramping. The most common anti-spasmodic medication for IBS includes Bentyl, Pro-Banthine, Levbid, Levsin, NuLev and Donnatol. These medications can be prescribed for everyday use as a preventive therapy, or can be used as needed for abdominal spasms, and patients can choose between medications that are taken orally, or that dissolve under the tongue. Other medications for IBS include low-dose antidepressants that affect serotonin reuptake. These can also alleviate pain and painful spasms associated with irritable bowel syndrome by raising your pain threshold, while also influencing contractions due to the serotonin levels found in the nerves located in the gut. These drugs can be used to either increase or decrease spasms; therefore, they can be effective for patients who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, or with constipation.

Finding the right combination of medications, as well as dietary and lifestyle changes, that best suit your needs and will most effectively assist you in managing irritable bowel syndrome is a long-term process that can often require extensive trial and error. Some patients are able to find the combination that works for them in a very short time; however, if this is not the case in your situation, do not give up. It may take some time to find what works best for you and your particular IBS symptoms, but the relief you will feel when your IBS is properly managed will be well worth the time and effort spent determining the best treatment plan for you.

Stool Softeners

Jane — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:56:47 +0000

When your colon and digestive tract is healthy, your colon absorbs water from fecal matter, and allows the remaining substance (stools) to pass through and out of your body. Constipation occurs when your colon absorbs too much water, causing your stools to become hard and difficult to pass. There are plenty of good ways to treat constipation, including diet and lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and medication such as laxatives. Increasing your fluid intake and getting more fiber in your diet is always a good first step if you are constipated. Laxatives are usually the last resort to treat constipation, but stool softeners are a milder option that can be tried before a harsher laxative. Stool softeners might also be the preferred option – such as when a pre-existing medical condition like heart disease means you should avoid straining during a bowel movement.

Stool softener

Stool softeners, also called saline laxatives, work by holding more liquid inside the colon so that fecal matter doesn’t become dry as it passes through. Stool softeners have a very different mechanism than other laxatives, which work by forcing your body to expel waste. As such, treating constipation with stool softeners is generally considered safer than with other constipation medication – however they should be avoided by people on low sodium diets, or with kidney failure. Follow the directions of your health professional when using a stool softener and as with any other constipation treatment, a doctor should be consulted if symptoms are serious or persistent. One alternative for treating constipation is Senna. Although Senna is described as a natural stool softener, it is really a laxative and should be treated as such, and overuse avoided. Senna works by irritating your colon and forcing the expulsion of it’s contents.

Stool softeners come in several forms – capsules, tablets, or liquid. They are usually taken before bed, with water or other liquid – Colace stool softener is an example of a common brand, and comes in a liquid form. Some people prefer taking it with something with flavor to mask the taste, which can be bitter. The medication should take effect fairly quickly, improving bowel function within a few days. Don’t continue use for more than a week unless directed by a doctor. A gentler alternative, which is also safe for long term use, are phsyllium husks or Metamucil. It is important to drink extra water when taking a stool softener as it assists in flushing out the toxins and, in the case of phsyllium husks, they absorb fluid in the intestines to make a bulk which is then needed to be flushed out, scrubbing the bowels as it does so to remove all waste.

Side effects of stool softeners

Side effects can include cramps or nausea, and you might experience some irritation if taking a liquid form of the medication. If you experience pain, vomiting or swelling of the throat or airways, you should consult a doctor straight away. However the medication is effective for the vast majority of people.

Common Diarrhea Treatments

Jane — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:54:48 +0000

Diarrhea is an unpleasant ailment that is quite common and can cause discomfort, dehydration, frequent trips to the restroom and loss of electrolytes. There are two basic forms: acute diarrhea and chronic diarrhea, each with varying causes and treatments. Most cases of diarrhea are short-term acute cases that can be effectively managed with at-home remedies and dietary changes; however chronic diarrhea may be a symptom of an underlying medical issue, or may require medication; therefore people who suffer from chronic diarrhea should consult with their doctor.

The first line of treatment for diarrhea is to determine the cause, if possible. For example, acute diarrheal episodes can be caused by sensitivities to specific foods, certain prescription medications, viral infections or food poisoning. Therefore, treating acute diarrhea can be as simple as switching medications, avoiding particular foods or focusing on staying hydrated as a virus runs its course. Absorbents, bismuth compounds and anti-motility medications are examples of over-the-counter diarrhea treatments that can provide relief for some people suffering from diarrhea.

The most common absorbents are polycarbophil and attpulgite, which treat diarrhea by binding with water to make stools less watery. Other diarrhea treatments are anti-motility medications such as loperamide (Imodium) slow down movement in the intestines by relaxing the muscles, which allows for increased water absorption, resulting in less watery stools. Bismuth compounds, such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), have some anti-bacterial qualities and provide a protective coating that alleviates symptoms and allows the gut to heal. Prescription anti-motility medications, such as diphenoxylate, are also available for diarrhea treatment.

In cases of acute diarrhea that do not require medical attention, staying hydrated and eating foods that will not further irritate your digestive system are key factors in managing a short-term episode. Drink plenty of water and avoid spicy, rich or fatty foods during the episode and for a few days after. Both children and adults may benefit from adopting the popular BRAT diet to assist with diarrhea management, which includes bananas, rice, apple sauce and toast. Foods that are high in probiotics, such as yogurt, are also recommended for the treatment of diarrhea, and the use of oral rehydrating solutions (ORS) such as Ceralyte, that contain carbohydrates and electrolytes can help maintain hydration.

Herbal remedies used in the treatment of diarrhea include dandelion, fenugreek, skullcap and goldenseal, which can be purchased in tea or capsule form at most health food stores. The abdominal discomfort and cramping that generally accompanies diarrhea can often be alleviated with chamomile or peppermint teas, which have the added benefit of assisting in increasing water consumption to avoid dehydration.

Probiotics may also assist in the treament of diarrhea and also assist in the healing afterwards as it restores the good bacteria which may have been killed off as a result of the underlying cause of diarrhea.

Medical treatment may be necessary for chronic diarrhea, persistent acute diarrhea or severe dehydration. For example, in some cases of severe dehydration caused by diarrhea, intravenous rehydration may be used to replace lost fluids, and testing and observation may be required to determine the cause of chronic or persistent diarrhea in order to determine a treatment plan.

In most cases, effective diarrhea treatment can be managed at home and most diarrheal episodes will subside within a few days. For long-term or repeated episodes, you should consult with your doctor to ensure that there are no underlying medical issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or colon cancer.

Constipation Medication

Jane — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:16:09 +0000

Every day there are millions of people suffering from chronic constipation, ranging from infants to elderly people. Thankfully, there are constipation medications available over the counter that can provide treatment for those suffering from constipation.

The most common constipation treatments are based upon increasing the amount of fiber in the diet. Most constipation medications are made up of bulking agents that help to promote the body’s natural digestion process. Sometimes enemas are used to aid in stool evacuation and these are easily available in at home kits. Peristaltic stimulants are marketed to help with this as well, but these have been shown to cause damage that can lead to impaired bowel motility.

Medications for constipation that contain Psyllium not only creates a viscous liquid in the intestines that increases bowel movements, but also adds bulk to your stool that stimulates your natural digestion process. You can find Psyllium in popular brand name products such as Metamucil and Fiberall. These fiber supplements come in drink mixes, wafers and capsules and are available in a range of flavors.

Medications containing the bulk-forming agent Methylcellulose will also help to increase bowel movements by stimulating the intestines. They will also add bulk to your stool, which promotes regularity in bowel motility. Methylcellulose can be found in the common over-the-counter medication, Citrucel in the form of an easily ingested powder or tablet.

For more immediate relief of the discomfort of constipation, look for medications that contain Magnesium Hydroxide, such as Milk of Magnesia. This will increase the amount of fluids in the intestines, stimulating bowel movements. Milk of Magnesia comes in the traditional liquid form as well as in capsules and chewable tablets.

As a preventative measure, take a mild stool softener daily such as Colace. This will help to prevent future constipation by loosening stool blockages and improving bowel motility. Note that this is a long-term supplement that often takes a few days to begin working. It will, however, provide considerable relief to those who suffer from chronic constipation. This medication comes in liquid form but is rather bitter tasting, and is best mixed with a glass of juice.

Laxatives should be seen as a last resort and used with extreme caution. While they are strong bowel stimulants that will induce movement, they are extremely hard on the intestines and only provide temporary relief to the discomfort of constipation. Abuse of medication for constipation can lead to damage of the intestines and lasting complications. In an urgent situation, medications such as Dulcolax and Senekot capsules provide immediate relief, but must be taken with caution.

In severe circumstances, Sodium Phosphate enemas can provide temporary but immediate relief. As with laxatives, enemas should be seen as a last resort and must be used with caution. They will cause rapid bowel movements that clear any stool obstructions in the intestines, but only provide a temporary solution.

If none of the over the counter constipation medication provides lasting relief in your treatment of constipation, ask your doctor about the various prescription medications designed to treat constipation such as Miralax, Enulose or Zelnorm.