The pain from blocked ears?
a bowel movement every day (I don’t have one at least two days a week). Is this something I should be concerned about? There is a history of diverticulitis in my family.
ASOME people open their bowels more than twice a day, some just once a day and others two to three times a week.
These are all normal as long as their stools are fairly soft and easy to pass. You only need to be concerned if your stools become hard and you have to strain to go or if your tummy feels bloated or uncomfortable.
The most common cause of constipation is lack of fibre in the diet and although fruit and veg are good sources of this, you may find it helpful to add in some wholewheat foods such as bran (which you can mix in with your morning porridge).
You should also make sure you drink enough water during the day. Some medicines can lead to constipation such as any painkillers that contain codeine and some drugs that are used to treat bladder problems.
Occasionally constipation can be due to a medical problem such as an underactive thyroid and if you develop other symptoms such as abdominal pain or passing blood in your stools, then you should see your GP.
If you have a health question for Dr Rosemary please write to her in confidence at The Northern & Shell Building, 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN or email health@express.co.uk
Dr Rosemary’s reply will appear in this column. She regrets that she cannot enter into personal correspondence and that, due to the volume of letters, she cannot reply to everyone. Find out more about Dr Rosemary at drrosemaryleonard.co.uk