Ask the expert
Q WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO MANAGE CONSTIPATION?
A Constipation is common, causing infrequent, hard stools, excessive straining, abdominal discomfort or bloating, but is generally self-manageable. The elderly may show confusion, functional decline, nausea and loss of appetite.
Ensure a good fluid intake, a diet with veg and pulses, and take plenty of regular exercise. Then if needed, start with bulk-forming laxatives, containing fibre, such as psyllium or ispaghula husk, which work by increasing the ‘bulk’ or weight of poo to stimulate your bowel. If stools remain hard, add or change to an osmotic laxative,
