Treating Constipation

Understanding Normal Bowel Movements

Talk to your doctor about what is a normal frequency of bowel movements for you. The range of normal is quite broad. Some people have several stools a day; others have one stool every several days.

Making Lifestyle Changes

• Eat a healthful, balanced diet that is high in fiber (unprocessed bran, whole-wheat grains, fresh fruit, and cereals).
• Exercise regularly.
• Drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water each day.

Taking Laxatives, Stool Softeners, or Glycerin Suppositories

Regularly using laxatives or enemas can be habit forming. Your bowels can become accustomed to these products and require them in order to produce a stool. Stool softeners, though, are not habit-forming. Ask your doctor about how often and for how long to use these products.

Examples of medications include:

• Polyethylene glycol 3350 (eg, MiraLax)-a type of laxative
• Psyllium (eg, Fiber Eze, Fiberalll, Metamucil)-a bulk laxative
• Docusate (eg, Colace, Surfak)-a stool softener

Treating Underlying Medical Conditions

Work with your doctor to treat other conditions that may be causing your constipation.

Changing Medications

If you're taking medication that causes constipation, ask your doctor for an alternative.

If you are taking opioids to relieve pain, you may have constipation. A study found that the medication methylnaltrexone (Relistor) can rapidly relieve this side effect. *