Pharmaceutical guidelines of patients with pathology of digestive organs. SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT OF CONSTIPATION

CONSTIPATION Violation of bowel function, reflected in increasing intervals between acts of defecation (more than 48 hours) compared with individual physiological norm or systematically inadequate stool

CONSTIPATION Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. Some people have bowel movements three times a day; others, only one or two times a week. Going longer than three days without a bowel movement is too long. After three days, the stool or feces become harder and more difficult to pass.

CONSTIPATION The patient is considered constipated if have two or more of the following for at least 3 months: Straining during a bowel movement more than 25% of the time. Hard stools more than 25% of the time. Incomplete evacuation more than 25% of the time. Two or fewer bowel movements in a week.

Common causes of constipation Inadequate water intake. Inadequate fiber in the diet. A disruption of regular diet or routine; traveling. Inadequate activity or exercise or immobility. Eating large amounts of dairy products. Stress. Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement, which is sometimes the result of pain from hemorrhoids. Overuse of laxatives (stool softeners) which, over time, weaken the bowel muscles.

Common causes of constipation (cont’d) Hypothyroidism. Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis. Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum. Medicines (especially strong pain medicines, such as narcotics, antidepressants, or iron pills). Depression. Eating disorders. Irritable bowel syndrome. Pregnancy. Colon cancer.

Symptoms of constipation Infrequent bowel movements and/or difficulty having bowel movements. Swollen abdomen or abdominal pain. Vomiting.

Threatening symptoms of constipation blood in stool weight loss severe pain with bowel movements constipation has lasted more than two weeks fever sharp abdominal distention

Blood in a bowel movement Bright red blood is usually from hemorrhoids or tears in the anal lining called fissures. Constipation and straining during bowel movements can be the cause. Maroon or tarry black blood or clots usually mean bleeding is coming from higher in the gastrointestinal tract. The cause may be more serious.

Treatment The success of the treatment of constipation is made up of three components: -the degree of completeness of identification and elimination of the causes of delay in stool -patient readiness to change lifestyle, dietary habits, the recommendations of the physician and the pharmacist (compliance) -availability of doctors and pharmacists to perform a comprehensive, individual treatment of each patient

Treatment Choices for Occasional Constipation It is recommended that the regular menu be filled with plenty of fiber rich foods such as fresh fruits and lubricated as it passes through the intestine vegetables, fruit juices, whole grain products, and others. to increase fluid intake which ensures that the waste material is perfectly. minimize, if possible avoid, taking foods that can cause dehydration such as alcohol, caffeine, and salty foods. Experts recommend at least eight glasses of water daily to fuel body’s demand for liquid as well as to maintain the fluidity of stool. physical activity can also contribute in experience of constipation. Exercise plays a huge role in the whole course of acute constipation treatment. Without it, the full effect of the treatment is not achieved.

This small, dried fruit has earned a big reputation as "nature's remedy" for constipation. Prunes (often called dried plums) can prevent or improve constipation symptoms. They're packed with insoluble fiber, as well as the natural laxatives sorbitol and dihydrophenylisatin. The soluble fiber found in prunes may help lower cholesterol. And they're safe for long-term consumption. Children who don't like prunes might eat prune juice ice pops or sip prune juice mixed with another juice to disguise the taste.

Recommendations Lack of physical activity can contribute to constipation. Exercise, however, can help make bowel movements more regular and can reduce stress ( at least an hour after eating a big meal before exercise). It is recommended a 10- to 15-minute walk several times a day. Stretching and yoga can also help constipation.

Recommendations coffee and other diuretics such as alcohol and caffeinated tea and cola should be avoided

Constipation herbal remedies Aloe vera has been used since the olden times. It is recommended that people suffering from constipation take aloe vera juice or aloe vera gel to avail of its laxative properties. recommends flaxseed or linseed as a great alternative for constipation treatments. Herbalists recommend taking three tablespoons of crushed or whole flaxseed at least three times throughout the day. This offers an effective treatment for chronic constipation. To complement the effects of flaxseed, it is need to drink enough amounts of liquids right after taking this herbal supplement. Fluids will aid the movement of the flaxseed and bowel contents through the digestive system.

If conventional acute constipation treatment is not effective Fiber supplements (in combination with any beverage or favorite foods) side effects - diarrhea and stomach cramps. Over-the-counter laxatives are also available if that fiber supplements are not effective. These products provide an immediate result but it needs to be used in moderation. Enema is another acute constipation treatment should be used very carefully and is reserved for specific conditions.

Enemas and colon irrigation (high colonics) may temporarily remove body waste, but they're not an effective way to prevent or cure constipation. Enemas can actually cause constipation in older people who get them regularly. Colonic irrigation, which is usually done by colonic hygienists or therapists, can damage the colon and can lead to other issues.

Over-the-counter laxatives A suppository might work within an hour. It is needed to take a bulk-forming fiber product every day for several days to see results. Most over-the-counter laxatives are meant for short-term use Overuse can lead to other digestive problems.

Laxatives Stool softeners prevent constipation by allowing stools to absorb more water from the colon. They prevent feces from hardening -- softer stools are easier to eliminate from the body. Like other laxatives, stool softeners should be taken for short-term relief. In some cases, doctors prescribe stool softeners for people such as surgery patients, who may need to avoid straining during bowel movements. Some preparations combine a stool softener with a stimulant laxative to activate bowel movements.

Castor oil Castor oil is a powerful laxative. But like other laxatives, it should not be used long-term. Overusing laxatives can hurt body's ability to absorb nutrients and some medications. Castor oil can damage the bowel muscles, nerves, and tissue if overused -- all of which can cause constipation. Uses only with a doctor's guidance.

Constipation & age Older people are more likely to become constipated. This can be because of medical conditions, poor nutrition, greater use of medications, or not enough physical activity. Constipation is usual during pregnancy or after childbirth or surgery. Pregnant women for relieving constipation should check with your doctor

An excellent pregnancy constipation remedy is lifestyle change An excellent pregnancy constipation remedy is lifestyle change. This is the safest and simplest way of dealing with the discomforts associated with pregnancy constipation Exercise is a crucial part of any pregnancy constipation remedy. The body requires six to eight glasses of water daily to prevent constipation. This may not even be enough for pregnant women because of their increased demands. Avoid caffeinated beverages and soft drinks as they can cause dehydration. Some of the better choices are herbal teas, vegetable juice, clear soups and fruit juices. All of these provide liquid at the same time fiber. A high fiber diet will make bowel content bulkier. Some of the best food products include fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Pharmaceutical application for guardianship of laxatives Laxatives containing anthraglycosides, act within 8-12 hours after ingestion They are not used for spastic constipation, because they can cause pain in the colon Anthraquinone glycosides pass into breast milk, so that preparations containing them should not be administered to nursing mothers These drugs are not recommended to use long-term

Pharmaceutical application for guardianship of laxatives (cont’d) The use of sodium pikosulfate infants is ineffective With prolonged use of vaseline oil reduces absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A and D) and an increased risk of malignant tumors in the gastrointestinal tract Castor oil has a laxative effect in 5-6 hours When you receive laxatives containing fibers, should drink per day for at least 1.5 liters of fluid