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Constipation.Treatment.-The treatment of habitual constipation is a tedious, and by no means always successful, effort; for the difficulty seems so trifling, its effects are apparently so insignificant, that many persons cannot be induced to adopt the simple measures necessary, which seem to them needlessly irksome. The favorite plan is a resort to cathartics - a plan which, while securing immediate relief, aggravates the difficulty in several ways. Laxatives certainly have a proper place in the treatment of many cases of constipation, but they are abused far more than they are properly used. The individual who is subject to habitual constipation should awaken to the fact that he is suffering from a serious complaint, which can be relieved only by energy and perseverance on his own part; a cure will depend far more upon himself than upon his physician. His first effort should be to remove the cause of the constipation. If he be the subject of dyspepsia, his bowels will scarcely resume their natural action until the stomach does its work properly; if he is cultivating and exercising the mind, to the neglect of the body, he can scarcely hope that the latter will perform all of its functions properly. To remedy the constipation, it will be necessary, perhaps, to effect a radical change in his personal habits, quite independently of medicines. Then comes attention to the diet; and here we come upon a subject which has given rise to numerous hobbies that are enthusically ridden by non-professional persons as well as by physicians. First among these is the graham bread and fresh fruit idea. There can be no doubt that brown bread and fruit are beneficial in those cases of constipation which depend upon torpor of the bowels; but it is a mistake to suppose that an exclusive diet of these substances will cure all cases of constipation, or indeed any case unless other measures be added. It is well to have a variety in the diet - fruits, vegetables, bread and meat ; but it is not desirable to exclude digestible articles which are eaten with avidity, for it must be remembered that the food must be digested in the stomach before reaching the intestine ; and to derange the stomach by a diet improper for it is to promote constipation, by favoring dyspepsia. One kind of food should probably be avoided in all cases of consti pation-pastry ; aside from this, the individual may consult his own tastes and inclinations. Another item of importance is bodily exercise; not a dismal and formal performance of certain bodily motions, which passes for the name of exercise, but a hearty indulgence in some sort of movement which interests and amuses the mind, while keeping the body active. The particular exercise best adapted for any individual case can, of course, be better determined by the person himself than by any set of rules. " The most important part of the management in cases of habitual constipation is the adoption of a rule to solicit an evacuation of the bowels at the same hour daily. The importance of this rule is to be enforced ; but, of course, its success will depend upon the perseverance of the patient. The time of the day most convenient for the act of defecation is to be selected, and in general the most favorable time is in the morning, after breakfast. At the time fixed upon the patient should devote a reasonable period to the evacuation of the bowels, but without persisting in violent, fruitless efforts. This should be considered in the light of a duty, not to be omitted a single day, except from necessity. It may be long before the desired object is accomplished, but sooner or later, with the aid of some of the other means which have been indicated, the desire will be felt at the appointed hour, and the ability to empty the bowel at that time will be acquired in the great majority of cases. It is impossible to secure regularity and sufficiency of the evacuations without perseverance in this part of the management. " If this plan were early inculcated and carried out in health, habitual constipation would be as rare as it is now frequent. The prevention is not less sure than simple. The function may be brought fully under the control of habit. This fact should be generally understood, more especially in the training of girls, most of whom become affected with habitual constipation, and suffer from it all their lives. Unfortunately, the existence of the function of defecation is often ignored from notions of false delicacy, and the affection becomes established, because parents and teachers are either themselves ignorant of this simple method of prevention, or consider the subject as belonging exclusively to the physician." If it become necessary to use medicines, care must be taken to avoid harsh and violent cathartics ; a mild laxative is often sufficient as an assistance to the efforts of nature in relieving the bowels. One of the best remedies for habitual constipation is the following : Senna leaves, - Three ounces. Licorice root, - Sulphur, - Two ounces. Fennel seed, - One ounce and a half. White sugar, - Six ounces. Pulverize thoroughly and mix. Take from a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful, either dry or in water. This powder has the advantage that it can be used for a considerable time without weakening the bowels, and thus creating a demand for more powerful laxatives. Another prescription which will be found beneficial in constipation resulting from indigestion, is the following : Powdered rhubarb, - - - 12 grains. Podophylline, . . . . 4 grains. Extract of nux vomica, - - 8 grains. Mix and make 24 pills. Take one at night. Another formula which has been much used is the so-called " safety pill: " Extract of hyoscyamus, - - 10 grains. Extract of nux vomica, - - 6 grains. Extract of aloes, - - - - 30 grains. Powdered ipecac, - - - 2 grains. Mix and make 20 pills. Take one at night. If the patient have been in the habit of abusing the bowels by the habitual use of cathartics, it may be well for him to resort for a time exclusively to rectal injections. The injection of a pint to a quart of water, in the morning, is a measure which may be used for a considerable time without damage ; yet these become, after a time, absolutely essential, so that the patient is unable to secure an evacuation without such assistance. Injections, therefore, do not tend to cure the constipation, but are merely temporary aids in avoiding the ill effects. The use of various popular and well-advertised mineral waters has now become a very common means of treatment in constipation. Of these, it must be said that, like other laxatives, they create a demand for their use, so that the patient becomes dependent upon them, instead of acquiring health by attention to hygiene. In this way, and this only, can the, various ills consequent upon habitual constipation - piles, diseases of the genital organs, etc.- be avoided. But first, if you want to come back to this web site again, just add it to your bookmarks or favorites now! Then you'll find it easy! Also, please consider sharing our helpful website with your online friends.
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