Types of Constipation
Different people experience constipation in different ways.
If you understand the nature of the constipation you suffer
from, you can choose the solution that's best for you. It is never advisable to take any medication if your body does not actually need it.
Dulcolax® always recommends that you speak to your
health care professional if you have any questions about
your digestion, especially if you experience any unexplained
changes, or if you are in pain.
The occasional problem: acute constipation
Acute constipation is constipation that is temporary, occurs
suddenly and is usually a reaction to a particular cause. It can re-occur from time to time.
The colon is a very sensitive organ and can react to many
different external influences by temporarily slowing or stopping
its normal peristaltic motion. This can happen due to a change
in lifestyle - such as going on holiday or changing jobs
or even a change in diet such as at Christmas time. It can
also happen when a new medication is taken as some medicines
have constipation as a side effect. The colon also reacts
to the body's hormones,
so women often experience constipation problems around menstruation
and menopause. Constipation also can occur as a result of
a physical obstruction somewhere in your intestines.
Your body recovers from an acute bout of constipation generally in
only a few days, when the natural rhythm of the bowel is restored.
If there’s a need for help in bringing your routine
back to its natural rhythm, Dulcolax® laxatives can provide
gentle yet effective relief. Please refer to the "Dulcolax®" section
of this website for more information.
If you are experiencing stomach pains along with constipation,
or if you see traces of blood or mucus on your stools, please
consult your health care professional immediately.
The persistent problem: chronic constipation
Some people find that their colon cannot perform its task
of digesting and eliminating waste matter as efficiently
as it should, and it slows down causing constipation which
lasts longer. There can be a number of reasons for this.
Some diseases can cause chronic constipation; some illnesses,
such as high blood pressure, depression or chronic pain,
need to be treated with long-term medication that can slow
the natural function of the colon. Sometimes, however,
chronic constipation can be caused by a person's lifestyle.
A person with an office job, for example, may not get the
opportunity
to exercise enough, and their colon function can suffer
as a result.
If you find that constipation persists for a longer time,
e.g. for more than one week, or returns soon after treating
it, please see your doctor. It is important to understand
why your colon is not eliminating waste as it should, and
to find the best treatment. Your doctor will be able to advise
you about the best treatment for you.
Constipated or normal? What is regular for you?
Sometimes, people think they’re constipated when in
fact they are not. It is not necessary to move your bowels
every day and some perfectly healthy people only move their
bowels three times a week.
Sometimes, after taking a laxative such as Dulcolax®,
which has been effective, you may experience a period without
needing to move your bowels again. It usually takes one
to two days before the colon will need to re-start eliminating
waste matter.
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