Leena Watts
Hard stools can be a result of dietary and lifestyle factors, such as dehydration, a low-fibre diet, and physical inactivity. In most cases, increasing water and fibre intake, as well as physical activity, can help alleviate constipation. However, if these dietary and lifestyle changes do not provide relief, it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist. They can recommend or prescribe medications such as laxatives or stool softeners to ease constipation and improve bowel movements. Additionally, a doctor can perform tests, such as a sigmoidoscopy, to determine if there are underlying medical conditions causing hard stools and provide appropriate treatment options.
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What You'll Learn
- Doctors may recommend laxatives to soften hard stools
- An enema is a special fluid inserted into the rectum to soften stool
- Dietary changes, such as increasing fibre and water intake, can help
- Stool softeners and stimulants are available over the counter
- Chronic constipation may indicate an underlying medical condition
Doctors may recommend laxatives to soften hard stools
Stool softeners, such as docusate sodium (Docusate and Colace), work by increasing the water and fat absorbed by the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. Lubricant laxatives, such as mineral oil, coat the colon, preventing water absorption from the stool and making a slippery passage for easier defecation. Stimulant laxatives, such as bisacodyl (Correctol and Dulcolax), activate the nerves controlling colon muscles, forcing the colon into motion and moving the stool along.
Bulk-forming laxatives, a gentler option, draw water into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. These include psyllium (Metamucil), polycarbophil (FiberCon), and methylcellulose (Citrucel). Osmotic laxatives, including saline laxatives, pull water from other body parts and send it to the colon, softening the stool. It is important to note that taking more than the recommended amount of laxatives or using them long-term can be dangerous and may lead to dependency.
In addition to recommending laxatives, doctors may also suggest further dietary changes, such as increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as lifestyle modifications to increase the speed of bowel movements. In cases of fecal impaction, a special type of constipation, doctors may use an enema, a fluid inserted into the rectum to soften the stool, allowing it to be passed or manually removed.
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An enema is a special fluid inserted into the rectum to soften stool
If dietary and lifestyle changes do not help with hard stools, a doctor may recommend laxatives or stool softeners to ease bowel movements. In some cases, they may also suggest an enema procedure.
An enema is a special fluid inserted into the rectum to soften the stool and stimulate bowel movements. It is often used as a last resort to relieve constipation when other methods have failed. The procedure can be done at home with over-the-counter enema kits or under medical supervision. It involves inserting liquid directly into the rectum, either by hand or with a syringe, to help soften and evacuate the stool.
There are different types of enemas, each with a specific purpose:
- Glycerin enemas pull water into the colon to soften stools.
- Bisacodyl enemas stimulate the colon to move, pushing the stool out.
- Mineral oil enemas lubricate the colon, allowing the stool to slide through easily.
- Tap water enemas soften the stool so it can pass more easily.
- Normal saline solution enemas use a combination of salt and water to draw the body's water into the bowels, softening the stool.
- Soap suds enemas irritate the bowel, encouraging rapid stool excretion.
- Retention enemas are designed to be held in the bowel for an extended period, softening the stool and aiding expulsion.
The procedure for administering an enema typically involves the following steps:
- Wash your hands and prepare the solution as instructed.
- Lay a towel on the floor and have a timer nearby.
- Assume a comfortable position, such as lying on your knees with your hands on a pillow and buttocks elevated.
- Insert the enema fluid into the rectum using the provided equipment (e.g., a syringe or nozzle).
- Wait for the recommended amount of time (usually at least 15 minutes) to allow the enema to take effect.
- Release the softened stool and clean up any leaks or spills.
It is important to follow the instructions provided with the enema kit or by your healthcare provider to ensure safe administration. Enemas can be an effective way to relieve constipation and soften hard stools when other methods have proven unsuccessful.
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Dietary changes, such as increasing fibre and water intake, can help
Constipation refers to a person's difficulty passing stool. It is characterised by hard, dry, and lumpy stools, which are often a result of dehydration. If dietary and lifestyle changes do not help with constipation, a doctor may recommend laxatives or an enema to soften the stool.
However, it is important to note that boosting fibre intake suddenly can lead to uncomfortable side effects, such as pain, gas, and bloating. Therefore, it is recommended to increase fibre intake gradually and ensure adequate water consumption. The optimal fibre intake varies based on individual factors such as gender, age, and pregnancy status. According to the USDA, adults should consume around 14 grams of fibre for every 1,000 calories of food, which equates to about 28 grams for a 2,000-calorie diet.
In addition to fibre, staying hydrated is crucial for easing constipation. Dehydration can lead to hard and dry stools, making them difficult to pass. Increasing water intake helps add moisture to the stools, making them easier to pass.
Some specific dietary recommendations to increase fibre and water intake include consuming high-fibre fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, which have a high skin-to-flesh ratio and are rich in both fibre and water content. Whole wheat foods and probiotics are also good sources of fibre. Additionally, whole-grain cereals and bread are recommended to increase fibre intake. However, it is important to note that while fruits are a good source of nutrients, they contain natural sugar called fructose that can be hard on the gut, so excessive consumption should be avoided.
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Stool softeners and stimulants are available over the counter
If dietary and lifestyle changes do not improve constipation, a doctor may recommend laxatives to soften stools and ease bowel movements. Laxatives are available over the counter and by prescription. Over-the-counter stool softeners and stimulants are useful for temporary, mild, or chronic constipation.
Stool softeners are a type of laxative that gently lubricate the stool by adding a compound to it that absorbs water. This makes the stool softer and easier to pass. Examples of over-the-counter stool softeners include docusate (Colace®) and mineral oil.
Stimulant laxatives, on the other hand, activate the nerves that control the muscles in the colon, forcing it into motion to move the stool along. Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) and Senna (Fletcher's® Laxative) are examples of stimulant laxatives that are available over the counter. However, it is important to note that stimulant laxatives are not safe for regular use, as the body may become dependent on them for bowel movements.
Other types of laxatives that can be purchased over the counter include bulk-forming laxatives, osmotics, and lubricants. Bulk-forming laxatives contain soluble fibre, which draws water from the body into the stool, making it bigger and softer. Osmotic laxatives work similarly, pulling water from the body into the colon, thereby softening the stool. Lubricant laxatives coat the colon, preventing water absorption from the stool and making it slick for easier passage.
It is important to follow the instructions on the medicine to prevent side effects such as bloating, gas, stomach cramps, and dehydration. If over-the-counter options are ineffective, a doctor may prescribe a different type of laxative or recommend an enema or manual removal of the stool.
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Chronic constipation may indicate an underlying medical condition
Constipation refers to a person's difficulty passing stool. It occurs when bowel movements become less frequent than normal for that person and the stools are hard, dry, and painful to pass. While constipation is usually caused by diet and lifestyle factors, chronic constipation may indicate an underlying medical condition.
If you have tried increasing your fibre and fluid intake, exercising regularly, and giving yourself time to have a bowel movement without success, you should consult a doctor. They may recommend some lifestyle changes as part of your treatment, such as consuming more fruits and vegetables or taking fibre supplements. They may also suggest an over-the-counter laxative to soften your stool and ease bowel movements.
If these treatments do not work, chronic constipation could indicate a more serious underlying medical condition. These conditions include endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, uremia, and hypercalcemia; colorectal cancer; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); diverticulitis; outlet dysfunction constipation; neurologic disorders, including spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and stroke; and intestinal pseudo-obstruction, among others.
Your doctor can perform several tests to determine the cause of your constipation, including a digital rectal exam, an abdominal X-ray, and an anorectal function test. They will also take into account your age, overall health, past health, and the severity of your condition.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have tried increasing your fibre and water intake, exercising more, and taking over-the-counter medications without success, you should see a doctor. You should also seek medical help if you are experiencing symptoms like bloating, pain, and discomfort.
You should see a gastroenterologist, also known as a GI doctor. They are specialists in disorders and diseases of the digestive system.
The doctor will help determine what is causing your constipation and recommend suitable treatments to enhance bowel movement and frequency. They may recommend lifestyle changes, such as increasing your fibre and water intake, or prescribe medications such as bulk-forming agents, osmotic agents, or stool softeners.
If you see blood in your stool, you should seek emergency medical attention. Rectal bleeding can be a sign of a serious medical condition such as colorectal cancer.
