However, doctors usually only recommend taking senna for occasional constipation. Also, aloe vera is a traditional ingredient in constipation remedies. However, these are no longer sold over the counter in the United States, because their safety and effectiveness are uncertain. Speak to a doctor before taking an herbal remedy, because some remedies can interfere with medications. Doctors often prescribe opioid medications for people with cancer, especially when the disease is in later stages.
In , researchers published the results of an investigation into how types and dosages of opioid prescriptions changed over a 6-year period for people with cancer. The researchers studied relevant U. Their findings suggest that pain affects:. According to research from , almost 90 percent of people with moderate or severe chronic pain use opioids as treatment.
Results of various studies suggest that opioid-induced constipation affects 41—81 percent of people with chronic pain that does not result from cancer. As a result, the U. Anyone who is using opioid medication for pain relief should be aware that constipation is a common side effect. Drinking plenty of water, eating high-fiber foods, and keeping active, where possible, can help reduce the impact. Eating foods such as yogurt, pulses, wheat bran, and….
Constipation develops when stool becomes hard and difficult to pass. Reasons include a blockage and a low fiber diet. Learn more about the causes and…. Olive oil has long been used as a simple treatment for constipation. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking aloe vera. The herb may decrease the effectiveness of certain medications, such as:. Senna is a yellow flowering plant. Its leaves have a laxative effect that can help naturally relieve OIC. A small study found that senna improved post-surgery OIC when taken daily for six days.
You can buy dry senna leaves from a health foods store and brew them in hot water. Or, you can purchase sennosides tablets Senokot from a grocery or drugstore.
The usual starting dose for adults is 10 mg to 60 mg daily. Senna should be taken on a short-term basis. Long-term use can cause diarrhea and trigger an electrolyte imbalance. This herb may also increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin Coumadin , a blood thinner. A few home remedies may also improve OIC or help you manage discomfort. Try these along with medications or natural remedies:.
Increase physical activity. Exercise and physical activity stimulate contractions in the intestinal tract and promote bowel activity. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. Drink plenty of fluid. Dehydration makes it difficult to have a bowel movement. Drink glasses of fluid per day. Stick to:. Eat more fiber. Increase fiber intake naturally to normalize bowel activity.
Add fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your diet. Excellent sources of fiber include:. Too much fiber can cause diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Slowly increase your intake. Use ice or heat therapy. Constipation can cause bloating and abdominal pain.
Stools are easier to pass when there is enough liquid drawn into the bowel to make them softer. Exercise: Exercise is another factor that can help relieve constipation.
However, even walking can make a difference when it comes to moving the bowels on a regular basis. Physicians can recommend the best form of exercise and if necessary, a referral to a physical therapist may help in developing an overall plan that takes any other health conditions into account.
Laxatives that counteract the constipating effects of opioids may be needed in most cases and might be prescribed at the same time as the opioid. Osmotic Laxatives: Osmotic laxatives are those that draw more water into the intestine, which has the effect of making stools softer and easier to pass.
Certain osmotic laxatives are available over the counter while others are by prescription, and some of the different types include Miralax, lactulose, and milk of magnesia which is not prescribed as often. Stimulant Laxatives: Stimulant laxatives are also available over the counter and include bisacodyl, sodium bicarbonate with potassium bitartrate, senna, and castor oil.
This type of laxative works by increasing the movement of the muscles in the digestive system peristalsis. They are not usually recommended for long-term use because of potential side effects, and tolerance may vary which means it may stop working after a while. In some cases, removing impacted stool might be necessary.
This could be done with an enema or colonic irrigation water or another liquid inserted through the anus and into the rectum , suppositories, or manual evacuation. Glycerin suppositories might be the first step in moving stool, followed by an enema, irrigation, or manual evacuation inserting a gloved finger into the rectum to break up the stool and remove it. There are prescription medications available for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation.
Relistor and Movantik are two such drugs. These medications work by blocking the effects that opioids have on slowing down the bowel. These medications may help in bringing on a bowel movement a short time after taking or receiving them. Some of the potential side effects of these medications can include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gas. Opioid-induced constipation is a common problem for people that are receiving opioids for the treatment of pain, and in particular, for chronic pain.
In addition, there are treatments available that are safe and effective and can reduce the symptoms of constipation and thereby avoid potential complications. Gas pain? Stool issues? Sign up for the best tips to take care of your stomach. The burden of opioid-induced constipation: Discordance between patient and health care provider reports. J Manag Care Spec Pharm.
Sizar O, Gupta M. Opioid induced constipation. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Galligan JJ, Sternini C. Insights into the role of opioid receptors in the GI tract: Experimental evidence and therapeutic relevance. Handb Exp Pharmacol. Patient and provider differences in the treatment of opioid-induced constipation: a qualitative study. BMC Gastroenterol. Opioid-induced constipation: pathophysiology, clinical consequences, and management. Gastroenterol Res Pract.
0コメント