Abdominal pain after meals, persistent urge to have a bowel movement, fewer than 3 bowel movements per week, nausea and vomiting, headache, poor appetite, and weight loss. You may also experience diarrhea occasionally as liquid stool goes around the blockage. If you experience these symptoms along with rapid pulse, rapid breathing, fever, agitation, confusion, and urinary incontinence, seek emergency medical help.
For a deeper impaction, the doctor may order an x-ray to confirm if you have a blockage or get a better view of it. The doctor may also order a colonoscopy if they can’t get a good view of the impaction. They may also do one after the blockage is cleared to check for other bowel problems that could have caused the impaction.
Common directions for stool softeners are to take the medication with a full glass of water and expect a bowel movement within a few hours. The doctor may recommend an over the counter product, or if the blockage is large enough, they may give you a prescription-strength medicine. Some impactions are caused by laxative overuse since your body gradually gets used to its effects. If your impaction is from laxative overuse, the doctor may skip this step.
Read the product instructions or follow your doctor’s directions for using the suppository safely. Wash your hands after inserting the suppository. You can also wear rubber gloves to keep your hands clean.
The instructions are usually the same for different enema brands. Fill the enema bag with the solution it comes with, lie on your side, and insert the tube into your rectum. Pump out all the fluid and stay still for 10 minutes. After that, you can go to the bathroom and have a bowel movement. The doctor may also instruct you to take a stool softener or suppository with the enema to ensure the blockage comes out. Enemas are a routine medical treatment and do not cause pain. You may find it uncomfortable, but there’s nothing to be afraid of.
The doctor may try to remove the entire blockage at once, or remove a little at a time and put you on stool softeners in between appointments. Follow whatever directions they give you. The doctor might use enemas to remove the rest of the impaction. You might also have an oral medication to take after having the blockage removed or using enemas.
Some of the best sources of natural fiber are leafy green vegetables, beans, berries, potatoes with the skin left on, peas, and nuts. Include a serving of foods like these with every meal. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you usually eat white products like bread or rice, switch them to whole wheat types for a big fiber boost. Also avoid foods that are low in fiber or that cause constipation. These include high-saturated fat foods like red meat, alcohol, and processed foods.
Drink as much plain water or seltzer as possible to avoid adding calories or sugars to your diet. Soda and sports drinks are very sugary and can sometimes cause further constipation. Remember to increase your water intake if you exercise or it’s hot out. Your body needs more fluids in these conditions.
Running, swimming, or playing fast-moving sports are the best ways to keep your digestive system moving. Resistance workouts like weight-lifting are good for your health but don’t stimulate your bowels as much. You don’t have to be a marathon runner to stay active. A daily walk or some aerobic videos at home are great for your health as well.
Speak with your doctor before you start taking a stool softener regularly. The drug may interact with other medications you’re taking or lead to dependence.
Common medications that cause constipation are opioid painkillers, antidepressants, some blood pressure medications, and incontinence medications. [12] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source If your doctor can’t switch you off medication that’s causing your constipation, then take extra steps to eat enough fiber, stay active, and drink enough water. Also take all your medication exactly as directed. Taking too much could also cause constipation.
You might resist having bowel movements because you’re shy about using the bathroom in public or at work. Try to get over your fear by finding a more private bathroom or going at quieter times of the day. Over time, if you continuously resist having a bowel movement, then you may not feel the sensation anymore. This is what causes constipation.
Right after you have breakfast is the most popular time to try to have a bowel movement. This is also a good time because many people drink coffee in the morning, which stimulates the bowels. Even if you don’t feel like you have to go, still go to the bathroom at the same time. Over time, this tells your bowels that it’s time for evacuation.
Try to build this time into your daily schedule. If you’re always running to work and don’t have time to use the bathroom, try waking up 15-20 minutes earlier so you have enough time.
