51°µÍø

Laurie-Ell Bashforth | Special to the 51°µÍø

I don’t shy away from sensitive topics easily. My boys know this all too well, having had many conversations about bodily functions. Also, 17 years in a Kindergarten class makes you immune to poo, pee and boogers. Whoopsie. Feces, urine and mucus, professionally speaking.Ìý

Every day in a pharmacy is filled with sensitive topics. Our job is to make you feel comfortable when talking about them, because your health depends on it. The number-one thing you need to remember is, the stuff we help people with…well, it’s all very human.Ìý

So, let’s talk openly about something that some people find embarrassing. Constipation. A little knowledge goes a long way and may give you just what you need to ask the question when you need to.

Here’s the FAQ on Constipation.Ìý

1. What is it?

Constipation occurs when stool or waste material moves too slowly through the large intestine.ÌýFeces that stay in the bowel too long before elimination become hard and dry. This results in difficult, painful and infrequent bowel movements.Ìý

In most cases, constipation is harmless, but it can significantly lower your quality of life. It’s uncomfortable, and let’s face it, passing hard stool hurts.Ìý

2. What causes it?

Chronic constipation is a common pattern of constipation. It can be caused by:

Not going to the toilet when you have the urge

Sometimes, and what we see in children a lot is the reluctancy to go to the toilet. Waiting for whatever reason. Like when I did in Grade 2. I didn’t go to the bathroom at school all year because the toilet paper was too scratchy. Someone should have explained the quantity of feces increases if you wait, making it painful to pass. It was a hard lesson to learn, because if it hurts you don’t go, creating a vicious cycle and a common pattern of chronic constipation.Ìý

Certain diseases or conditionsÌý

Bowel obstructions, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome are just a few of the conditions that can cause constipation. If you think your constipation may be due to your condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.ÌýÌý

Overuse of laxativesÌý

The reliance on laxatives trains the bowels to become dependent on them, eventually making the bowels less sensitive to the need to eliminate feces and can cause chronic constipation.

Other reasons

Poor diet, insufficient water intake and regularly ignoring the urge to go to the toilet.Ìý

Acute constipation starts suddenly and lasts for a few days.ÌýIt can be caused by a blockage, prolonged inactivity, medication, dehydration or missing a bowel movement. Pregnant women can develop constipation when the womb presses on the intestine. Sometimes, general anesthesia affects the bowel muscles for a few days after surgery.Ìý

Some medications can also provoke acute constipation so make sure to ask your pharmacist.Ìý

3. How do you treat it?

Constipation can be treated medically, but lifestyle changes are often very important.Ìý

• Physical exercise stimulates the movement of waste through your intestines.
• Drink at least eight glasses of fluid each day – water is best.
• Increase dietary fibre to about 25Ìýg per day for women and 38Ìýg per day for men by eating whole grains, especially flaxseed, fruits and vegetables (these add bulk to stools, making them easier to pass)
• Lower your consumption of processed foods.
• Try to have a bowel movement at the same time each dayÌý
• Talk to a health care professional if you suspect that your medication is causing constipation.
• Use prune juice, stewed prunes or figs to soften hard stools (increase the amount slowly to reduce the risk of gas).
• Go to the washroom when you feel the urge to go.

Medications are usually brought in if changing diet and habits doesn't work.ÌýLaxatives work in different ways. Some add bulk to the stool. Others coat the feces with oil. Some work by pulling water back into the colon to ease transit. Make sure to ask your pharmacist what might work best.

Remember, these medications can create dependence, so use them only as needed, as directed by your health care professional.

4. How many bm’s are normal?

Many people believe they’re constipated when they're not, thinking that less than one bowel movement a day is abnormal. In fact, as little as twice a week is fine so long as you go easily when you feel the need. A normal bowel movement, no matter how often, should be soft yet hold its shape and be easy to pass without needing to strain.

Health care deals with messy stuff. We’re here to remind you that it’s ok. It’s all just human stuff.Ìý

Don’t be afraid to ask.

Have more questions? Ask Merv, or Courtney, your Pharmasave pharmacists.Ìý

Laurie-Ell Bashforth is the owner of Pharmasave Jasper and aÌýprofessional Life + Leadership Coach.