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Question
Hi doctor,
Before, I didn't go to the toilet every day, but I still went often, the stools were soft and easy to pass, but about 3 months ago, I took vitamins containing iron and started to get constipated, The stools are hard and much larger than usual, have to push hard every time to go to the toilet.
I drank a lot of water and ate vegetables but it didn't help so I stopped taking the medicine after about 2 weeks of use but the constipation still continued. I have to eat more vegetables than usual, and laxative foods such as bananas and avocados make it easier to go to the toilet, but I can't maintain it regularly and often get apples.
Yesterday was 3 days I couldn't go, although I could feel the stool, but because it was big, it couldn't be pushed out, so I had to take a quick laxative to go to the toilet. This situation makes me worry that I don't know what medicine to use and what diet should I take to cure it? I feel that my habit of going to the toilet is not working as normal as before, I am very worried because it affects my daily life so I hope the doctors can help me! I would like to thank you.
Phan Thi Van Anh (2000)
Answer
Answered by Doctor Gastroenterologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Hello,
With the question “What medicine should I use for constipation and what diet should I use? ", the doctor would like to answer as follows:
You are constipated after taking iron preparations, although you have stopped taking the medicine, your condition has not improved. You should not be too worried, continue to adjust your lifestyle:
Drink enough water at least 2 liters a day. Increase eating foods high in fiber: Green vegetables, fresh fruits, use foods with laxative properties: Bananas, sweet potatoes, avocados, ... Limit eating refined foods such as soups solids (potatoes, grated carrots,...), fast foods, hot foods, stimulants such as pepper, hot peppers, condensed tea, cocoa. Limit alcohol and coffee. Do not push hard. You can use a shower, turn warm water with little pressure to discharge water into the anus (it has the effect of softening stool and reducing pain in the anus). Maintain defecation once a day, go on time, it is best to practice the habit of going in the morning or evening. When going to the toilet, keep your mind relaxed and avoid stress. Increase daily exercise effectively 30-60 minutes/day. If after taking all the above measures without improvement, you can use laxatives (stool softeners): Duphalac, Forlax...
If you still have questions about constipation, you You can go to a hospital under Vinmec Health System for further examination and consultation. Thank you for trusting and sending questions to Vinmec. Wishing you lots of health.
Best regards!
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