What is the treatment for constipation?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 18-year-old male suffering from a defecation problem for four days. Although I am consuming foods that would help in excretion, nothing is helping me. I spend one hour in the toilet and still end up not emptying my bowels. I have suffered from this previously, which was good for four to five days, but it started again. This constipation problem started due to antibiotics which were given in a massive course for UTI. The first two days of antibiotics introduced me to this new problem of constipation in my life, and from that time, I have suffered several times. I have taken antibiotics for UTI in the last three days. Please give me a permanent solution, as I also miss school at least twice a week. My parents are worried for me, and I face issues at school as I miss my classes. I have to strain a lot to excrete and clean it. Please advise a proper diet, exercise, and let me know what could have caused this. Is it a major pelvic floor problem or decreased flora? Also, advise some tips for my UTI. I also have cystitis with ureteric (urethra infection), and I was told that it could be a neurogenic component urethral diverticulum (as I feel like some urine is stuck inside my urethra or penis after I pee, which does not come out). My parents, along with me, are very much concerned about my health. Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

All your symptoms are due to IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) with severe constipation. This is a form of altered bowel habits, and patients may have constipation or diarrhea with or without abdominal pain. Following are the certain things that need to be done:

Clearing your bowel with laxatives and advising maintenance laxatives. Due to this, bowel clearance can be done daily.
Change in food habits like restricting junk foods made of maida, a low-fiber diet.
Consume plenty of water to make the stool soft.
High fiber diet is essential to make the stool bulky. Take more salads.
Avoidance of coffee and juices should be done.
Toilet training in the form of sitting thrice a day without force after taking water is essential. It will regularize your bowel habits.
If you pass gas normally, I advise you to take Peglec (Potassium chloride), one packet of 137 gm in two liters of water, to help you pass loose stools. Refrain from taking solid foods in between this packet.
By the second day, continue with Laxopeg (Polyethylene glycol) two sachets once a day at night.
Do not miss school, as it will increase your academic burden. And this disorder is linked with stress so it will worsen more.
Regular follow-up with a physician is essential.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.