Defined as  infrequent or hard stools, or difficulty assing stools. More specifically, constipation may involved pain during the passage of a bowel movement, the inability to pass a bowel movement after starining or pushing for more than 10 minutes, requiring digital evacuation , or no bowel movements after more than 3 days.

(1) look for offending drugs

(2) Correct fluid intake (64 ox - caution with CVD)

(3) Limit caffeine & alcohol

(7) Replace refined foods with whole grain products, fruits and vegetables, beans

(8) increase physical activity

(10) Don't delay going to the bathroom when the urge to defacate is present; may need to schedule time.

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Prevention: from chronic opiods - regular use of senna (stimulant) plus a stool softener (docusate), alone of in combo products is usually needed and a laxative should be recommended when a scheduled opiod is prescribed.

[image][image][image][image]Wikipedia: Stimulants are psychoactive drugs which induce temporary improvements in either mental or physical function or both. →

The higher dose used, the more constipation will be present

Regarding opiods and constipation, what can be used to treat (not prevent) constipation?

Bulk laxative

Lactulose, Magnesium salts, sorbitol

Name a nonabsorbable osmotic

laxative

Activates chloride channels in the gut, leading to increased fluid in guy and movement