backed up bowel movement, constipation

Question #12323

46 days ago

132

backed up bowel movement, constipation - #12323

Melissa

Im feeling as if I’m backed up on moving my bowels. I did go somewhat yesterday. I am feeling bloated and sharp pains in my stomach. I’m not sure what to take if I should take to help, miralax or a laxative etc

Age: 43

Chronic illnesses: N/A

Sharp pain in stomach

Bloating and kinda achy when i press on certain upper left and lower right side of stomach

300 INR (~3.53 USD)

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Dr. Shayeque Reza

I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.

46 days ago

1) Polyethylene glycol (PEG 3350 – Miralax :
Mix 1 capful (17 g) in a glass of water once daily.
Take for 2–3 days until you start having comfortable bowel movements.
2) Simethicone 80 mg chewable tablet Gas-X

1 tablet 2–3 times/day as needed.
Relieves trapped gas and cramping.

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat

I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.

46 days ago

Hello
As of your history… its seems having some sort of infection with stool problem…
Rx -1) cap pantop dsr - once daily empty stomach
2)Tab Rifaximin 400 mg - once after food
3)Polyethylene glycol (PEG 3350 – Miralax -Mix 1 capfull (17 g) in a glass of water once daily
Take for 2–3 days until you start having comfortable bowel movements…
Thank you

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Dr. Aarav Deshmukh

I am a general physician with 8 years of practice, mostly in urban clinics and semi-rural setups. I began working right after MBBS in a govt hospital in Kerala, and wow — first few months were chaotic, not gonna lie. Since then, I’ve seen 1000s of patients with all kinds of cases — fevers, uncontrolled diabetes, asthma, infections, you name it. I usually work with working-class patients, and that changed how I treat — people don’t always have time or money for fancy tests, so I focus on smart clinical diagnosis and practical treatment. Over time, I’ve developed an interest in preventive care — like helping young adults with early metabolic issues. I also counsel a lot on diet, sleep, and stress — more than half the problems start there anyway. I did a certification in evidence-based practice last year, and I keep learning stuff online. I’m not perfect (nobody is), but I care. I show up, I listen, I adjust when I’m wrong. Every patient needs something slightly different. That’s what keeps this work alive for me.

44 days ago

Constipation can be uncomfortable, and feeling backed up with bloating and sharp pains suggests your bowel movements may need some assistance. To address this, increasing your fluid intake is a good starting point—water is best, aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses a day. You might also benefit from upping the fiber in your diet; foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes can help bulk up your stool and promote regularity. Miralax, an osmotic laxative, could be an effective option—it’s usually gentle on the system and helps by drawing water into the intestines to soften the stool, making it easier to pass. It’s generally safe for short-term use, but follow the instructions on the package. If you’ve already considered dietary changes and hydration but still find yourself uncomfortable, stimulant laxatives might be another route; however, they can potentially lead to dependency if overused. Addressing the pain with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen may be appropriate, but avoid ibuprofen if you’re unsure about any associated gastrointestinal issues. Also, evaluate your activity level, as physical activity, like walking or other moderate exercise, can naturally stimulate bowel movements. If you find the symptoms persistently troubling or increasingly severe, it’s wise to seek medical advice as these could be signs of a more complex issue, such as an obstruction or other gastrointestinal conditions. It’s critical to act if symptoms escalate to severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or any signs of blood in stools, as those require urgent medical attention.

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Dr. Bharat Joshi

I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.

46 days ago

Hello mam
See as per clinical history it seems either there are chances of food poisoning associated with infection or chronic indigestion
In both the cases medication and curative measures are required
Iam suggesting some medication and precautions
Please follow them for atleast 1 week
Tab Omeprazole once a day fir 3 days
Tab pantop D 40 mg once a day empty stomach half hourly for 3 days
Tab metrogyl 400 mg twice a day for 5 days
Tablet febrex plus accordingly
There may be requirement of certain tests in case on no recovery
Please share the result after 1 week with general physician for better clarity
They are as follows
Esr
CBC
Stomach USG if recommended by general physician
Stool culture
In addition please take following precautions
Avoid milk and heavy meals like cheese and eggs
Take khichdi as staple diet
Eat plenty of food and consume yoghurt and lassi
Avoid junk food
Hopefully you recover soon
Regards
Please

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Dr. Varunkumar J

I am an ENT specialist with over 6 years of clincial practice and in this time I have tried to balance hospital work with building my own setup. Currently I work as Consultant at Meridian Hospital Kolathur and also as visiting consultant at VIHAA Hospital Anna Nagar. Along with this I started SCOPE ENT CLINIC in Villivakkam, which is my own space to treat patients with more time n focus. Running a clinic teaches you different kind of responsibility, not only treatment but also trust, making sure patient feels heard and safe. My practice covers a wide range of ENT issues, from common ear infections, sinus problems, throat disorders to more complex surgical cases. I try to focus on giving indiviualised treatment plans, because each patient story is differnt even if the diagnosis sounds similar. Working in multiple hospitals also let me collabrate with other specialities which is important when dealing with complicated ENT cases linked to allergy, pediatrics or even neuro. Founding my own clinic was both challenging and rewarding. Some days are hard, managing staff, handling emergencies, ensuring things run smooth.. but it gave me chance to create an environment where patients get continuity of care. For me ENT is not just about procedures but also education, I try to explain conditions in simple words, guide on prevention and lifestyle changes that can reduce recurrnce. Over these years, what matters most to me is not just how many cases I handled but the connections built with patients and their families. I want to keep growing, keep learning new techniques and stay updated with advances in ENT, but at the same time keep the human touch alive in practice.

46 days ago

Hi Dear Melissa,
With this history it looks more of indigestion
Kindly avoid lot of protien intake
take probiotics like curd /yoghurt
Take CAP BIFILAC 1-0-0 for 5 days
Adequate hydration
Take care

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Dr. Arsha K Isac

I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.

45 days ago

Hello Melissa,
Rx;
MiraLax - 1 capful in water once daily
For 1-3 days
Pantop 40 mg 1-0-0 before food
Do Gentle walking or movements
Stay hydrated
Eat high fiber foods
(Mango,banana,oats will help)
Don’t worry .It will subside.
If not after 2 days,consult a gastroenterologist.
I hope this helps
Feel free to talk
Thank you

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Dr. Perambalur Ayyadurai Rohith

I am a general physician with more than 10 yr of clinical experiance, and in this time I worked with patients from all age groups, from young kids to elderly with multiple chronic issues. My practice has been wide, but I gradually developed deeper intrest in diabetology. I spend much of my day focusing on prevention, early diagnosis and management of diabetes, using lifestyle modification, medical therapy and regular monitoring. Many patients come worried about complications, and I try to explain things in simple language, whether it is diet, excercise, or understanding lab reports, so they dont feel lost. I also conduct detailed diagnostic evaluation and use evidence based protocols to make sure treatment is reliable and updated, even if sometimes I double check myself when results dont match the clinical picture. Apart from regular OPD practice, I gained strong experiance in occupational health. Over years I worked with multiple companies handling pre employment checks, annual medical exams, workplace wellness programs, and ensuring compliance with industrial health and safety standards. It is diffrent from hospital practice, but equally important, because healthy workers mean safe and productive workplace. I run medical surveillance programs and health awareness sessions in collaboration with corporates, and this also gave me exposure to preventive strategies on a large scale. For me, patient care is not just treatment but building trust. My career revolve around preventive medicine, ethical clinical practice, and continuous learning. I keep myself updated with modern medical protocols, but I also value listening to patient worries, since medicine is not only about lab values but also about how a person feels in daily life. I make mistakes in words sometimes, but in my work I try to be very precise. At end of day, my aim is to provide care that is accessible, evidence based and truly centered on patient well being.

45 days ago

Your symptoms suggest acute constipation with gas trapping, which can cause bloating and sharp abdominal pain.
Start with a gentle osmotic laxative like Miralax (polyethylene glycol) it’s safe and effective for clearing backed-up stools without cramping.
Drink 2.5–3 litres of water daily, include warm fluids (especially early morning), and add fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, oats, and flaxseed.
Avoid skipping meals, excess coffee, or high-fat junk foods these worsen constipation.
Light walking and abdominal breathing exercises help stimulate bowel movement naturally.
If pain persists, stool becomes hard for more than 3 days, or you develop vomiting/fever, consult a gastroenterologist to rule out obstruction or IBS-C.

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Dr. Abhishek Gill

I am a doctor with 5 years total experience, mostly split between Emergency and Obstetrics & Gynaecology—and honestly both keep you on your toes in totally different ways. In the ER, you don’t get time to second-guess much. Things come at you fast—trauma, active bleeding, breathlessness, collapsed vitals—and you learn to think, act, then think again. But in Obs/Gyn, it’s more layered. One moment you’re handling routine antenatal care, the next you're managing obstructed labour at 3am with everything depending on timing. I try not to treat anyone like "just another case." I take proper history—like actual, detailed listening—and then move step by step. Exam, investigations only if needed (not just because), and explaining things clearly to the patient and attenders. Not gonna lie, sometimes I do repeat myself twice or thrice. People are stressed, they don’t hear it all the first time. Communication I’d say is one of my stronger areas, but not in some fancy textbook way. Just knowing *how* to talk, when to pause, when not to overload info. Like with a first-time mother in pain who doesn’t care about medical terms—she just wants to know if her baby’s okay. Those moments taught me more about medicine than most of my exams. I handle postpartum issues, early pregnancy complications, PCOD, menstrual complaints, emergency contraception consults too—bit of everything. And in casualty shifts, I’ve done everything from inserting Ryle’s tubes to managing hypertensive crises. You have to stay sharp. But also know when to slow down and re-evalutate something that doesn’t fit right. Counselling’s part of the job too. Sometimes patients need reassurance more than a prescription. Sometimes they just need honesty, even if the answer isn't simple. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I do care enough to find them. Bit by bit. Every single day.

45 days ago

Hello,
Constipation is mostly functional.
Take these medicines and preventive measures.
1. Syrup LACTULOSE 15ml before sleep x3days
2. Adequate water intake {1.5-2lit./day}
3. Add seasonal fruits and fibres to your diet
4. Avoid oily and spicy foods
take care

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Dr. Nirav Jain

I am a qualified medical doctor with MBBS and DNB Diploma in Family Medicine from NBEMS, and my work has always been centered on treating patients in a complete, not just symptom based way. During my DNB training I rotated through almost every core department—Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency medicine. That mix gave me the skill to manage acute illness, long term disease and preventive care together, something I find very important in family practice. In psychiatry I worked closely with patients who struggled with depression, anxiety, stress related problems, insomnia or substance use. I learned not just about medication but also about simple psychotherapy tools, psycho education and how to talk openly without judgement. I still use that exp in family medicine, specially when chronic disease patients also face mental health issues. My time in General surgery included assisting in minor and major procedures, managing wounds, abscess, sutures and emergencies. While I am not a surgeon, this gave me confidence to recognize surgical cases early, provide first line care and refer fast when needed, which makes a big difference in online or OPD settings. Now I work as a consultant in General medicine and Family practice, with focus on both in-person and online consultation. I treat conditions like fever, infections, gastrointestinal complaints, respiratory illness, and also manage diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and lifestyle related chronic diseases. I see women for PCOS, contraception counseling, menstrual health, and children for common pediatric issues. I also dedicate time to preventive health, lifestyle counseling and diet-sleep-exercise advice, since these small changes affect long term wellness more than we often realize. My key skills include holistic diagnosis, evidence based treatment, chronic disease management, mental health support, preventive medicine and telemedicine communiation. At the center of all this is one thing—patients should feel heard, safe, and guided with care that is both professional and personal.

42 days ago

Hello Melissa, I understand your concern. Your issues are probably due to dehydration, dietary changes or temporary intestinal sluggishness. But no need to worry, here is my advise -
1. If you are having this issue since long, then kindly reply down, we need to get some tests done after taking history from you.
2. If this is a short duration issue, then you can follow this prescription -
-Tab. Albendazole 400 mg single dose
- Powder Polyethylene Glycol (PEG 3350/miraLax) - 1 bottle cap in 1 glass of water once daily × 3 days.
-Mostly you’ll be fine, but kindly follow up, if less or no improvement with this, I’ll add another medicine as well.
3. Home & Diet Measures: Increase water intake: 2.5–3 L per day. Add fibre gradually: oats, papaya, apples, leafy greens, soaked chia seeds. Avoid: processed food, cheese, red meat, excessive tea/coffee. Physical activity: 20–30 min walk daily aids bowel movement. Warm water with lemon in morning may help mild cases.
4. When to physically see a Doctor- If you notice any of these: Persistent pain (especially on one side). Vomiting or fever Blood in stool or black/tarry stools. Unintentional weight loss. Pain increases when pressing abdomen. Pain in upper left or lower right abdomen could also come from gas accumulation, constipation, or sometimes intestinal inflammation, if it persists beyond 2–3 days, get a physical exam by a certified doctor and an ultrasound of abdomen + pelvis to rule out other causes.
Feel free to reach out.
Regards,
Dr. Nirav Jain
MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Med

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Dr. Alan Reji

I'm Dr. Alan Reji, a general dentist with a deep-rooted passion for helping people achieve lasting oral health while making dental visits feel less intimidating. I graduated from Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences (batch of 2018), and ever since, I've been committed to offering high-quality care that balances both advanced clinical knowledge and genuine compassion for my patients. Starting Dent To Smile here in Palakkad wasn’t just about opening a clinic—it was really about creating a space where people feel relaxed the moment they walk in. Dental care can feel cold or overly clinical, and I’ve always wanted to change that. So I focused on making it warm, easygoing, and centered completely around you. I mix new-age tech with some good old-fashioned values—really listening, explaining stuff without jargon, and making sure you feel involved, not just treated. From regular cleanings to fillings or even cosmetic work, I try my best to keep things smooth and stress-free. No hidden steps. No last-minute surprises. I have a strong interest in patient education and preventive dentistry. I genuinely believe most dental issues can be caught early—or even avoided—when patients are given the right information at the right time. That’s why I take time to talk, not just treat. Helping people understand why something’s happening is as important to me as treating what’s happening. At my practice, I’ve made it a point to stay current with the latest innovations—digital diagnostics, minimally invasive techniques, and smart scheduling that respects people’s time. I also try to make my services accessible and affordable, because good dental care shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone.

41 days ago

Your symptoms suggest constipation and bloating, which can happen due to dehydration, diet changes, or slowed digestion.
Mild stool softeners or fiber supplements can help, but avoid frequent use of strong laxatives without advice.
Specialist consultation is advised (Gastroenterologist).

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backed up bowel movement, constipation - #12323

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