THE SUN DOCTOR
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It has been more than a week since I passed stool. I no longer feel hungry; I take lunch and supper because it is time to eat. I am not in pain. Please advise me. I am worried there might be a problem with my digestive system.Greg
DEAR GREG
You are suffering from constipation, which is defined as not passing stool at least once in three days, or often passing dry or hard stool, or often having difficulty pushing out stool. It can be caused by failure to eat enough fibre, not taking enough fluids, being inactive for long, change of diet, stress or anxiety, and ignoring the urge to pass stool. It can also be due to a side effect of some medication like loperamide, iron supplements and opioids.Because the intestines are unable to empty normally, the appetite goes down, and if the situation continues for a while, you may start vomiting. Vomiting and abdominal pain are a sign of serious illness that would require urgent medical intervention.
To manage the problem, you need to make your stool softer by taking adequate fluids and fibre, which is found in fruits, vegetables and cereals. Also, avoid being inactive, that is sitting or lying down for long, and start exercising. You also need a good toilet routine – go to the toilet at a regular time and place where you are comfortable, use the toilet when you feel the urge to, and you can use something to raise your legs, so that your knees are above your hips when you are sitting on the toilet seat.
These measures will usually work within several days, and they can be maintained as part of your lifestyle to avoid a similar situation in future. If they do not work, or if you are quite uncomfortable, you can get short term medication from the doctor to help pass the stool easier.