Parkinson's and Constipation

Does Parkinson’s cause constipation?
Constipation is common in Parkinson’s because Parkinson’s causes bowel action to slow down. However, bowel action varies from person to person. Therefore, a certain frequency of bowel movements may be normal for one person but may be considered as constipation for another person. 

What are some of the causes of constipation?
Parkinson’s may not be the only reason of your constipation, there are many other causes of constipation which may need to be investigated by your physician. Besides Parkinson’s, following are some of the other causes of constipation:

1. Lack of exercise 

2. Lack of fiber in diet 

3. Some medications

4. Hypothyroidism

5. Not drinking enough fluids

6. Cancer

7. Kidney failure

How can I manage constipation?

Exercise

Exercise can be as simple as  fifteen minutes daily walk and  may  be very helpful in managing constipation. Set goals for yourself such as walking several times a day.

Healthy diet

Some important points regarding diet are:

• Eating meals at regular times
• Not skipping any meals
• Having regular bowel habits by attempting to have a bowel movement at roughly the same time everyday. It is suggested that this time should be about thirty minutes after a meal.
• Including fiber in your diet which can be found in whole wheat bread, oatmeal, and bran cereals. Fruits, rice and pasta are also good sources of fiber as well as  vegetables and  barley.

However, it should be noted that bran and wheat germ may hinder the metabolism of the drug Levodopa. People using a combination Levodopa such as Sinemet® and Prolopa® do not need to be concerned.

Fluids

• Increased fluid intake. It is recommended that you drink around 4 – 8 glasses of water each day. Other fluids such as senna tea and prune juice are also very helpful.
• Hot beverages can have a laxative effect, but they are most effective when taken in the morning.

If I need medication to relieve constipation, which ones are recommended?
Fibyrax and Metamucil are two laxatives that work by increasing the bulk of the stool.  These promote bowel movements, however diarrhea can be caused by excessive use of the laxatives.

Docusate or Colace, which can be taken twice daily, acts as a stool softener and causes regular bowel movements. Some other treatments include lactulose syrup such as Acilac or Duphalac or glycerin suppositories.

If you experience extended constipation, you may need to use enemas such as Fleet enema. These are fast acting and usually induce multiple bowel movements. It is recommended that you use these in the mornings, so the bowel movements don’t interfere with your sleep.

If required, you can apply the different methods at the same time. However, when buying prescription free laxatives or stool softeners, consult your pharmacist about which one would be the best for you. If these practices do not relieve your constipation, seek advice from your physician. Also if you have other medical conditions consult your physician before using this information.

This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician.

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