BEN Merriman MPharm(Hons) MRPharmS, pharmacist with the local and independent Murray group of pharmacies, talks about the common gastrointestinal complaint constipation along with advice to reduce the symptoms and over the counter treatments available.

CONSTIPATION is one of the most common complaints dealt with in pharmacy, with up to one in seven people in the UK affected at any one time.

There can be many reasons leading to a person becoming constipated; certain medicines (including painkillers and iron tablets), medical conditions (such as underactive thyroid and irritable bowel syndrome) and pregnancy are all common reasons for a reduction in the number of times a patient needs to move their bowels. Those with a diet low in fibre or who don’t drink enough fluids may also experience constipation.

There’s no such thing as a normal number of times that a patient should need to pass a motion over a given period. Problems arise when there is a change for an individual; an increase in the time between motions can lead to a diagnosis.

Associated with the reduction in the number of stools passed, patients may also experience symptoms including pain or difficulty in passing the stool, feeling of sickness or bloatedness and a loss of appetite.

The first port of call to treat constipation is usually to try and modify a patient’s lifestyle to avoid constipation in the first place. Increasing dietary fibre (good sources of fibre include wholegrains, fruit, vegetables and cereals) will help “bulk” the stool out, making it easier to pass.

Should increasing fibre content not be practical, fibre supplements such as ispaghula husk are available. However fibre intake is increased, it is important to try and drink around two litres (roughly four pints) of water a day.

If the above measures do not produce a satisfactory response, medications are available to help relieve symptoms. There are three kinds of laxative available in pharmacies (as well as fibre supplements).

Osmotic laxatives containing macrogol or lactulose will help by retaining more water in the bowel than normal meaning the stool is larger, softer and easier to pass. Osmotic laxatives can take up to three days to work fully but usually produce a more gentle effect.

Stimulant laxatives such as senna and bisacodyl are useful if your stools are soft but difficult to pass. Best taken at night, they usually work within six to twelve hours. Stool softeners, such as docusate, can also be of use, either alone or in combination with other treatments.

The NHS Minor Ailments Service allows patients normally exempt from prescription charges to receive a range of clinically effective medicines for several common ailments. All the Murrays pharmacies in Barrow and Ulverston can provide effective medication and advice – call in at your local branch for details about these or any other symptoms you may have.

Symptoms such as weight loss, bleeding from the back passage or vomiting with constipation can be a cause for concern and should be investigated.

A visit to a pharmacy can help you decide whether a trip to your GP would be appropriate – we can make an urgent referral to your GP should we feel it necessary.

For more information, visit your local Murrays Pharmacy – you’ll be taking good advice!