As in most conditions, prevention is better than cure. Eating a diet with a high fibre and fluid content, avoiding caffeine-containing beverages and medicines known to cause constipation, emptying the bowels when the urge arises and taking exercise all help to keep the bowels regular.

When constipation occurs, the best first treatment is to increase the amount of fibre in the diet and to assure that an adequate amount (6 to 8 cups) of fluid is taken every day. Good sources of fibre are bran-enriched cereal, brown rice, wholemeal bread, vegetables (particularly pulses such as peas and beans) and fruit. A cup of warm water after breakfast helps to stimulate the colonic muscles. If possible, increase the amount of exercise you do.

Try to remember if the constipation arose soon after you started to take a particular medicine or tonic. If you think it did, then this could be the cause of your constipation. Do not stop taking any drugs prescribed by your doctor without first discussing the problem with him/her. If you think a medicine you bought over the counter may be causing constipation, discuss it with your pharmacist.

Laxatives

When these simple remedies fail to get you going again, the use of laxatives may be considered. There are several different types of laxatives available; some act quickly whilst others take a few days to work. It is important to read the instructions carefully and not to exceed the recommended dose. Liquid paraffin is best avoided (unless recommended by your doctor) as it can interfere with the absorption of some vitamins; it can also leak from the anus causing itching and discomfort.

A word of warning: although the occasional use of laxatives should not cause any long term problems, taking laxatives more or less regularly over many months can cause the bowel to become inactive and aggravate constipation. If you think this may have happened to you, stop using laxatives and increase the amount of fibre and fluid in your diet.

Suppositories and enemas

Suppositories are an alternative to taking laxatives by the mouth. They are sometimes successful when laxatives taken orally fail to treat constipation. Some suppositories act to lubricate the rectum or soften hard faeces, making them easier to pass. Others contain drugs that stimulate bowel movement; these are best avoided without prior consultation with your doctor. Similarly, enemas should only be used following medical advice.

Bulk Forming Laxatives (High potency fibre products) Isphagula husk, Methylcellulose & Stercula.

Faecal Softener (Soften hard faeces) ...Dioctyl

Stimulant Laxatives (Increase intestinal muscle activity) Senokot & Bisacodyl

Osmotic Laxatives (Increase water in bowel fermentation) Lactulose

When should you see your doctor about constipation?

Any sudden change in bowel habit should prompt you to seek advice from your doctor. In addition you should see your doctor if your constipation is associated with abdominal pain, anal pain, bleeding from the anus, passage of mucus (slime) and a general feeling of being unwell.