Constipation

Dear Ask The Doctor: What should i do if i havent had a bowel movement in 8 days and have taking everything under the sun?

Dear Victoria:

This condition is characterized by having infrequent bowel movements, pass hard stools or strain during bowel movements. Women are also more frequently affected by constipation especially when having a sedentary life, not ingesting good amounts of fiber in their diet and also a decreased intake of fluids and certain medications would also increase the chances for constipation.

To treat constipation we always start with changes in your diet and lifestyle, certainly exercising regularly, drinking plenty of fluids during the day as well as increasing the fiber intake in your diet such as beans, whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables.

If these don’t work, you could try using dulcolax or colace, these have proven to be very efficacious in constipation, and you could by them over the counter. I wish you a prompt recovery.