Constipation

Question 1

Causes of constipation

Answer 1

• Not enough fibre in the diet - fruit, vegetables and pulses
• Not drinking enough water
• Lack of exercise - immobile after surgery and bed ridden
• Medication - Codine , Iron, Diuretics, Antidepressants and Antacids
• Irriable bowel syndrome -Stomach pain and cramps

Question 2

What are the symptoms

Answer 2

• Not passing stool as often and it is sttraining
• At least three days where there is difficulty passing stool with hard hard stools nausea and cramps

Question 3

Treatment options

Laxative bulk-forming

Answer 3

• Serculia, Methylcellulose which are natural fibres
• Ensure faster movement in the intestine
• Works within 24-36 hours

Question 4

Treatment options

Osmotic laxatives

Answer 4

• Lactulose and macrogels which keeps fluid in the bowel or faeces which makes stool pass easier
• Takes 3 days to work binds to water and it is transported and is unchanged through the body
• Movicol Ready to Take or duphalac which is lactolose and it is not absorbed by the body

Question 5

Treatment option

Stimulat laxatives

Answer 5

• Bisacodyl, Senna and Sodium picosulfate
• Stimulates nerve ending in the bowel which promotes .less water absorbtion
• Only short term and not for children and effective for 8-12 hours
• Dulcolax and Senokot tablets

Question 6

Feacal softeners

Answer 6

• Docusate sodium and glycerin suppositories
• Lube the faeces which makes it easier to pass
• DulcoEase

Question 7

Haemorrhoids

Answer 7

• Straining to pass stool where blood vessels are swollen around the rectum

Question 8

Symptoms

Haemorroids

Answer 8

• Itching around the anus
• Discomfort and pain after opening bowels
• Anal discharge and spots of red blood after passing stool

Question 9

Causes

Haemorroids

Answer 9

• Pregnancy
• Childbirth
• Irregular eating habits
• Poor toilet habits and overwieght

Question 10

OTC remidies

Astrigents

Answer 10

• Protective layer over
• Anusol relives irritation
• Anti-inflammatory ingreedient such as hydrocortisone to reduce inflammation 18 year old and pregnant women for no longer than 7 days (Anasol plus)

Question 11

Local anaesthetics

Answer 11

• Lidocaine helps relieve pain wich causes buring and itching
• Germoloids

Question 12

Cautions

Laxitives

Answer 12

• Children should not be given laxitives unless supervised by GP
• ## Long term use of laxitives can result in severe dehydration and laxitive dependancy with internal organ damage

Question 13

Who is it for?

Answer 13

• My not be for the customer so be cautious when giving laxitives for children

Question 14

What are the symptoms?

Answer 14

• Blood in stool refer to pharmacists with severe pains

Question 15

Hoe long have the symptoms lasted for?

Answer 15

• Longer than a week could be severe underlying issue

Question 16

Action already taken?

Answer 16

• Change in diet or if used product did work

Question 17

Medication?

Answer 17

• Some medications can cause constipation so should be ruled out before treatment