Q What’s the best way to manage constipation?
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 regular exercise. Then, if needed, start with bulk-forming laxatives containing fibre, such as psyllium or ispaghula husk, which increase the ‘bulk’ or weight of poo to stimulate your bowel. If stools remain hard,
