Common bowel actions are obligatory for good intestine well being. So, when a Quora consumer requested, ‘I haven’t had a bowel motion in every week. I added much more fibre and water. What’s happening?, we determined to seek the advice of specialists. In line with them, not having a bowel motion for every week is certainly regarding.
When constipation lasts past a number of days, even after rising fibre and fluids, it’s an indication that your intestine wants greater than dietary tweaks, stated Dr Saiprasad Girish Lad, guide gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and endoscopist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central. “Typically, an excessive amount of fibre too quickly, particularly with out sufficient motion or enough hydration, can truly worsen bloating and sluggish bowels. The digestive system wants time to adapt,” stated Dr Lad.
Low bodily exercise, sure medicines (opioids, some antidepressants, iron, calcium), dehydration, or, much less generally, metabolic issues (low thyroid), extreme constipation because of sluggish colonic transit, or obstruction are a few of the widespread causes, stated Dr Shankar Zanwar, senior guide, gastroenterologist, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai.
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Hormonal modifications, stress, or underlying points corresponding to thyroid imbalance or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may play a job.
What to strive?
First, don’t rely solely on dwelling fixes for greater than every week, Dr Lad asserted. “When you haven’t had a bowel motion in seven days, seek the advice of a gastroenterologist. You might want a brief course of laxatives or stool softeners to get issues transferring, together with figuring out the underlying set off,” stated Dr Lad. – Strive an osmotic laxative like polyethylene glycol (PEG, e.g., powder formulations) per package deal instructions—these are efficient and usually secure short-term. “A brief course of a stimulant laxative (bisacodyl or senna) may help if wanted. Observe label instructions and ask your pharmacist or clinician if not sure,” stated Dr Zanwar.
Light bodily exercise, corresponding to strolling, yoga twists, and even deep respiration, can stimulate your intestines. Heat fluids within the morning and a constant meal schedule assist too, stated Dr Lad.
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Pressing care wanted
*Go to pressing care or ER now in case you have extreme belly ache, vomiting, fever, or can’t move gasoline.Story continues beneath this advert
“Additionally see your main care clinician promptly if constipation is new, persists regardless of OTC measures, otherwise you’re older than 50 or reducing weight. They will evaluate meds, examine labs, and prepare additional exams.
What to notice going ahead?
*Stability fibre: Combine soluble sources (like oats, fruits) with insoluble ones (bran, greens) as a substitute of overloading on one sort.
*Hydrate well: Drink water steadily by way of the day, not unexpectedly.
*Don’t ignore urges: Holding it in frequently can uninteresting your bowel reflex.
*Watch your intestine rhythm: If constipation turns into frequent or alternates with diarrhoea, get evaluated.
Power constipation isn’t simply discomfort; it’s your intestine’s approach of claiming one thing’s off. “Early consideration helps stop problems like fissures or haemorrhoids, and brings your digestion again on observe,” stated Dr Lad.
DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on data from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.

