Chronic vs occasional constipation

For some people, constipation is an ongoing ‘chronic’ condition that persists for months, years or throughout life. Symptoms may be troublesome, and impact on quality of life. Speak to your doctor about remedies and ways to manage the condition.

For others, constipation occurs only on occasions, and depending on its intensity, the effects of constipation may be mild to severe.

MOVICOL^® is a gentle and effective treatment for both chronic and acute constipation. It has been available around the world for more than 20 years, and there are many clinical studies that prove its effectiveness and gentle mode of action. MOVICOL is available either by prescription from your doctor or over the counter for convenience and occasional use. Different pack sizes are available as well.

For those who suffer chronic constipation, MOVICOL can be taken long term without loss of effect. Some studies actually show that doses of MOVICOL can be reduced over time.* The long term use of laxatives should be under medical supervision.

See here for causes and symptoms of constipation.

*Reference Gruss HJ and Teucher T, Treatment of chronic constipation - results of a multi-centre observation period on the use of polyethylene glycol 3350 plus electrolytes, Kirchheim-Verlag Mainz 1999; 21(16): 1342-1350.

 

What is faecal impaction

A doctor or nurse may use this term when there hasn’t been a proper bowel movement for several days – or even weeks. It means that poo has been building up in your intestines, becoming more and more difficult to get out. Children with faecal impaction tend to have a dribbly bottom and often dirty their pants, which can be confused with diarrhoea and lead to the wrong treatment.

MOVICOL is one of the only approved remedies for faecal impaction, but faecal impaction first needs to be confirmed by a doctor.