Constipation
Constipation is generally defined as a decrease in the frequency of faecal elimination and is characterised by the difficult passage of hard, dry stools. It usually results from the abnormally slow movement of faeces through the colon, with a resulting accumulation in the descending colon. In most situations the conditions is temporary and not serious. Some symptoms experienced include feeling bloated, lack or loss of appetite and feeling uncomfortable.

What is normal bowel movement?
The correct amount of bowel movement is an individual thing. Normality may be three times a day for some, and for others it may be three times a week. However, many people do mistakenly believe they are constipated when in fact their bowel movements are regular.

What causes constipation?
Generally constipation is caused by a lack of exercise and poor diet. Some other causes can include:

• Not enough fibre in your diet
• Not enough consumption of liquids
• Some medications can slow down bowel movements
• Changes in lifestyle and routine. Stress can also be a cause
• Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement

What should I do?

• Eat more fruit and vegetables. These foods contain high amounts of fibre
• Drink lots of fluids. Water is the best for making stools softer
• Avoid medications that cause constipation if possible
• Eat meals at regular times, practice relaxation techniques, and add more fibre to the diet when there are changes in your lifestyle, eg. Traveling
• Do not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement because you are too busy
• Exercise regularly

What types of laxatives are available?
In general there are five classes of laxatives. The classification is dependent upon the mechanism of action of the agents. The five groups are bulk forming (roughage), emollients, lubricants, saline and stimulants.

• Bulk forming laxatives (eg. Metamucil) takes up water, swells and thereby increases the bulk of the faeces and facilitates evacuation
• Emollients soften the faeces by facilitating the admixture of aqueous and fatty substances
• Saline laxatives attract water into the intestines thereby swelling and faecal contents and stimulating intestinal motility
• Stimulants (eg. Senekot) exert their effect by producing local irritation and stimulating accumulation of water in the intestines, thereby increasing intestinal motility
• Lubricant laxatives soften faecal contents by coating them and thus preventing absorption of faecal water into the intestines.

How does Agarol^® laxative relieve constipation?
Agarol is a lubricant laxative. The active ingredient, paraffin liquid, is a mineral oil that facilitates the movement of the stool.