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I’ve been having chronic constipation fo
I’ve been having chronic constipation for a long time along with incomplete emptying and frequent watery leakage. I often feel like stool is still retained even after going to the toilet, and it causes discomfort and anxiety in daily life but I wanted to ask whether lactulose might be a better or gentler option for long-term management of my constipation and stool retention. Could you advise me on whether lactulose would be suitable and how it should be used safely in my case?
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T dulcolax i tab hs for 2 days...
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Hi! 😊
Chronic constipation and leakage is common in teenagers.
A consultation will help understand the cause better and suggest most suitable approach for you.
Feel free to book a slot if needed.
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Yes you can take lactulose. But instead of depending only on meds, try high fiber diet, fruits like pappaya, orange, drinking more water, drinking hot water before sleeping.
Do regular physical exercise.
Get thyroid function tests done and share results.
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Kindly do connect and consult with me for better treatment plan and advice on your case
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Lectures is safe
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The "frequent watery leakage" you're describing alongside constipation and incomplete emptying is actually a very important sign â this is called overflow incontinence. What happens is that hard retained stool gets impacted in the rectum, and liquid stool seeps around it, leaking out. It is NOT loose stools â it means there's significant stool buildup inside that needs to be cleared properly.
Regarding Lactulose â yes, it is a gentle osmotic laxative that is suitable and safe at your age. It draws water into the bowel to soften stools and make them easier to pass. Typical dose is 15â30 mL once or twice daily, taken with a full glass of water. It takes 1â3 days to work. It may cause some bloating and gas initially, which is normal. It can be used for weeks to months under supervision.
However, given the frequent watery leakage, you likely have significant stool retention that may need more than just lactulose to clear first. Please see a doctor (gastroenterologist or general physician) who can assess the extent of the impaction â sometimes a short course of enemas or stronger laxatives is needed first to clear the backlog, and then lactulose is used for maintenance.
Dietary habits: increase fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains), drink at least 2â3 litres of water daily, and try to sit on the toilet at a fixed time each day (mornings after meals work best).
Feel free to consult me on Practo for proper guidance.
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Feel free to consult me on Practo for proper guidance.
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Shaikh Huzaif
General Physician
20 yrs exp
Mumbai
Please consult
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Dr. Gaurav Jaiswal
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Jhansi
Avoid fried and spicy food
Water intake more
Green leafy vegetables more
Fiber meal
Do connect and consult
Will help you
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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