CONSTIPATION

Is the patient under 12 months old?
Have there been problems for more than 7 days?
Is there bleeding with passage of the stool?

• If yes to any of the above, the patient should be examined by a physician promptly.
• If no, then follow the instructions below.

ACTIVITIES:  Get more exercise.

MEDICATIONS:  Take Metamucil and/or Colace.  Laxatives should be used rarely.  An enema may be used even less frequently.

DIET:  Drink more water.  Drink prune and other fruit juices.  Eat more vegetables, bran cereal, prunes, raisins, and fruits. Avoid bananas and cheese.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. There is no improvement in a few days.
2. You notice blood in the stool.

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This page was last updated on 19 August 1999.