A stool softener is also called an emollient laxative. It helps to soften the stool, and it is a good option to treat constipation. Docusate sodium is used as a stool softener capsule that helps in bowel movements, and it is used in persons who should avoid straining during bowel movements.
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I have not passed stool since eight days. Will I die of constipation?
Query: Hi doctor, I have not passed stool from the past eight days. This is the third time I am constipated, the last two times it got fixed within 2 to 3 days. I have tried everything, and yesterday I went to a doctor, who gave me a lot of medicines. I took all the medicines yesterday night as well as to... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. You have severe constipation, for which we need to clear the impaction. If you are passing gas and there is no distention of abdomen, then we can give a dose of laxatives, although you may require more doses. I suggest you get an x-ray abdomen and share the report.... Read Full »
How to have a complete defecation?
Query: Hi doctor, I have a problem to defecate completely. It takes me more than 20 minutes to defecate completely. I also take more than two minutes to pass urine completely. I am very healthy. I consulted a doctor, and I have done various tests and examinations such as defecogram, balloon expulsion test... Read Full »
Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Hassan Shoukat
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. It is a complex problem. Exercises like kegel exercise and medication can help. Urinary issues also occur due to constipation and dyssynergia. Use Docusate sodium 200 mg twice daily. It is a good stool softener, and you can use it for a long time. Read Full »
Should I take laxatives for constipation?
Query: Hello doctor, I am a 29-year-old male. I have been experiencing something like constipation for the past one week. I have had no abdominal pain, but I feel like I need to go to the bathroom. I have a bowel movement in the morning, but I feel constipated the rest of the day. I took some stool soften... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read your complaints and what I feel is you might have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but before I could make this diagnosis, I need to know, do you have abdominal pain along with your constipation part? Do you feel relieved after defecation, by relief I speci... Read Full »
Is my 8 months old baby suffering from Hirschsprung's disease or severe constipation?
Query: Hi doctor, I have gotten two different opinions from two pediatricians about my 8 months old boy. One says my boy has Hirschsprung's disease, and the other says it is just constipation. The first doctor did a rectal exam, yielding no explosive stools, and he wants my son to get a barium enema. The ... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. There seems to be a lot of confusion that has been created. See here are my valid points: A child with any chronic disease like HD (Hirschsprung's disease) will not be able to gain weight of 9.53 kg at just 8 months of age. HD is usually diagnosed quite soon after b... Read Full »
Is it normal to have pain and tightness post hemorrhoidectomy?
Query: Hi doctor, I had hemorrhoidectomy before six weeks. I still feel some pain and tightness while sitting. Is this normal after six weeks? I think I have anal stenosis. Stool is difficult to pass even when soft. Always have to strain and never passes naturally. I know I have a hard scar tissue. I... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. No, this is not normal. Pain could be due to fissure and stenosis of the anal opening, but it needs a physical examination to confirm it. I would suggest drinking lots of water, have fiber diet and chew the bolus properly to avoid constipation. You can also try an... Read Full »
I have applied more Lignocaine gel than advised on my kid. Please help.
Query: Hello doctor, My 2-year-old son has hard motions. He has just had his circumcision surgery. My friends advised me to apply Lignocaine Hydrochloride gel between his buttocks. By mistake, I applied more. I am very much worried. I hope it is not harmful. Please advice. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Lignocaine (Lidocaine Topical) gel is a local anesthetic so even if you have applied more there is nothing to worry. If he is having constipation, I suggest you give him syrup Looz (Lactulose) 10 mL twice daily. This is a stool softener and you can give him until h... Read Full »
How to have good bowel movements?
Query: Hi doctor, I have bad constipation. I rarely feel the urge to pass stools even though I know I am full and bloated. Since being diagnosed with bipolar disorder for 25 years, I have had some trouble. I am on psychotic medications- Zyprexa, Klonopin, and Effexor XR. I also take beta-blocker Metoprolol... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Increasing age and drugs seem to be the cause of constipation in you. These antipsychotic medications use cause slow bowel movements. Now, if we cannot stop your medications, the alternative we have is, use medicines that improve your bowel movements - Miralax (Po... Read Full »
Is aloe vera juice good for hemorrhoids?
Query: Hi doctor, I am suffering from hemorrhoids. It is not an ongoing case. It just happened due to severe constipation. Apart from medicine, which is better for external hemorrhoids? Is it Aloe vera gel or lemon juice? Is there a good painkiller for such situation? I tried Panadol and it worked fine, b... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I had gone through all the data you have posted. We need to keep stools soft, which will decrease the pressure and symptoms of hemorrhoids. Our foods should be rich in dietary fiber, as it forms the bulk content of stool and will keep water with it so that the ... Read Full »
What medications can I take to manage constipation issues in pregnancy?
Query: Hello doctor, I am two months pregnant, and I am taking vitamin tablets as suggested by my doctor. I have constipation issues, and I am unable to pass stools. I have pain and swelling in my anus. Please suggest some medications that help treat constipation in pregnancy. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. As far as stool softener is concerned, I suggest you take the syrup Duphalac (Lactulose) or Isabgol. Consult a specialist doctor, discuss with them, and take medications with their consent. You can start with 20 ml initially and reduce the dose. Also, you need to incre... Read Full »
Is the sharp pain in my stomach normal after an appendectomy?
Query: Hello doctor, I had an appendectomy about two weeks ago with no complications, but since then I have been having sharp pains in my stomach similar to how the appendicitis felt. Both on the lower right and left. My back has also been sore and I have been severely constipated with sometimes green or y... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. These can happen occasionally for two to three weeks. If you do not have any fever, then it is alright. Have soft feeds and lots of water daily. Avoid constipating foods like maize-based foods, bakery foods, etc. Take some mild analgesics like Buscopan (Butylscopolamin... Read Full »