Constipation can manifest itself in varying degrees of intensity. In some cases it is only a mild discomfort, while in others it is painful. If you haven't had a bowel movement for days, now is the time to intervene using a quick remedy. Treatments that provide quick relief trigger side effects like cramps, flatulence, and diarrhea, so be sure to try natural methods (such as eating more fiber, drinking more water, and taking diuretics) before moving on to more potent techniques.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use Natural Remedies to Find Relief
Step 1. For easier bowel movement, squeeze the juice of one lemon into a cup of hot water
Drink it as soon as you get up in the morning.
Step 2. Then, have a cup of coffee or a yogurt and fruit smoothie
If these drinks help to stimulate the general urge to pass, it can help to consume them every morning. Since they can cause flatulence and cramps, make sure you have easy access to a bathroom after consuming so that you can take advantage of them if they work.
Step 3. Drink 500 ml of prune juice, an effective remedy thanks to the high amount of sorbitol and fiber that the drink contains
The more you drink (up to 500ml), the more likely you are to find relief quickly.
- Just like with laxatives, prune juice can cause cramps and diarrhea, so keep this in mind and weigh this side effect.
- If you use this remedy, make sure you have easy access to a bathroom or stay at home, as the urge to bowel can be painful and immediate.
Step 4. Try Epsom salts
Dissolve 2 tablespoons in 250 ml of water or juice. Drink the solution to reap the benefits of salt and magnesium: the former softens the stool, while the latter promotes intestinal contractions.
- If you don't find relief within 4 hours, repeat the treatment.
- Hot water or juice favor the total dissolution of the salts. Before ingesting the drink, make sure they have dissolved completely.
Method 2 of 3: Relieve Constipation with Laxatives
Step 1. If you're not already in the habit of doing this, start drinking lots of water
Laxatives can sometimes cause dehydration, so you need to drink plenty of water to make sure you recover quickly.
Step 2. Try fiber-based laxatives, such as psyllium, only if you are sure they can give you immediate relief
Mild laxatives generally don't work quickly. However, if you have already tried other methods, they are lighter on the body.
Step 3. Use specific substances to soften the stool, such as sodium docusate
This is another mild method that you can use in conjunction with a natural remedy or a more aggressive one.
Step 4. To increase the chances of immediate relief, use a stimulant laxative, such as senna or bisacodyl-based laxatives
By causing the intestinal muscles to contract, they cause cramps.
- Use a stimulant laxative only if you need to find quick relief. Do not use it regularly: repeated use has been shown to cause dehydration.
- Do not rely on this method to maintain good bowel regularity, otherwise you risk becoming dependent on it.
Method 3 of 3: Use an Enema to Find Relief
Step 1. Try a suppository
It can be introduced into the rectum to stimulate the intestine if necessary. Many people find suppositories more comfortable than enema. However, they may not take effect as quickly.
Step 2. If you are looking for immediate relief, consider an evacuating enema
In severe cases, it can be used in conjunction with a milder method, such as those described above. Read the instructions thoroughly and be sure to do it in a comfortable place, near a bathroom.
- Prepare the enema following the instructions on the package.
- Lie on your side or with your buttocks slightly elevated.
- Insert the tip of the enema into the rectum and squeeze out the liquid. You don't have to empty the container.
- Stay in this position for 1-5 minutes, or until you feel the urge to go to the bathroom.
- Go to the bathroom as often as necessary.
- If you've used an enema and haven't found relief within 30 minutes, call your doctor.
