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I had Ex-lax for constipation and bloating, but I was not benefitted. Why?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I got on an airplane and started having stomach pain. When I landed I used the restroom but could not empty my bowels. I then drove for two hours and had terrible stomach pain. I then used the restroom and was able to terminate a little but it was not a normal amount.

I continued to be constipated for days. I finally took ex-lax and that cleared me out but I could not go the next day. So I waited a whole day and took it again (it worked) but I cannot terminate. It has been days. I usually go three times a day.

I have been running, hydrating and eating well. I am not stressed. My stomach is completely bloated and each time I take ex-lax the bloating is gone and my stomach is four times smaller. I took some prune juice and my lower abdomen started having painful contractions for an hour followed by diarrhea. I am at a loss. I have tried fiber too and nothing helps. Please help.
Answered by Dr. Sadaf Mustafa

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sadaf Mustafa is an Internal Medicine Specialist. She can diagnose and manage complex and multisystem disease. She can treat chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders. She can provide preventive care and routine health assessments. She can help in the management of infections and autoimmune diseases. She helps in the interpretation of diagnostic tests and imaging reports. She can do medication management and adjustment for long-term therapies.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

A couple of things, use of stool softener or laxative is not recommended unless you have constipation for three days and you are passing gas. You are most likely to have diarrhea if you use it earlier also you may have post diarrhea ileus (the gut can go into a stunning situation and you would be constipated).

My recommendations would be not to use any stool softener or laxatives and allow your natural habit to return. Please add vegetables in your diet and salads. Please only use MiraLAX (Polyethylene glycol 3350) it is a laxative solution from day 3 if you are not still going. Also, the bloating is a side effect of the product you are using.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I had constipation for seven days before I took the product and I was bloated before I took the product. Being constipated is making me bloated. Do you think I should see a doctor?

Answered by Dr. Sadaf Mustafa

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sadaf Mustafa is an Internal Medicine Specialist. She can diagnose and manage complex and multisystem disease. She can treat chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders. She can provide preventive care and routine health assessments. She can help in the management of infections and autoimmune diseases. She helps in the interpretation of diagnostic tests and imaging reports. She can do medication management and adjustment for long-term therapies.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If it is becoming a persistent problem after another trial then seeing a gastroenterologist would be a very good idea. We have to consider constipation predominant IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and dyspepsia as benign causes and you may need a colonoscopy to look for more local causes like polyps.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.
Published At April 1, 2020
Reviewed At April 10, 2020

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sadaf Mustafa is an Internal Medicine Specialist. She can diagnose and manage complex and multisystem disease. She can treat chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders. She can provide preventive care and routine health assessments. She can help in the management of infections and autoimmune diseases. She helps in the interpretation of diagnostic tests and imaging reports. She can do medication management and adjustment for long-term therapies.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vinodhini J. is a Dental Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral health issues, including restorative, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on maintaining oral health, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing smiles. Her expertise ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s dental needs and overall wellbeing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Dr. Sadaf Mustafa
Dr. Sadaf Mustafa

Internal Medicine

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Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sadaf Mustafa is an Internal Medicine Specialist. She can diagnose and manage complex and multisystem disease. She can treat chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders. She can provide preventive care and routine health assessments. She can help in the management of infections and autoimmune diseases. She helps in the interpretation of diagnostic tests and imaging reports. She can do medication management and adjustment for long-term therapies.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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