What to do if you can't poop in summer
Oct 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
If constipation during summer is caused by indigestion, it can be relieved by consuming foods rich in dietary fiber. Medications that enhance gastrointestinal motility may also help. For constipation-induced cases, initial relief can be achieved through physical methods. If these are ineffective, stimulant laxatives may be used. When caused by intestinal obstruction, non-surgical treatments or surgery can be employed for relief.
Difficulty defecating during summer usually requires corresponding treatments based on the underlying cause, such as general management, physical therapy, medication, or surgical intervention. Common causes include indigestion, constipation, and intestinal obstruction.
1. Indigestion
If difficulty defecating in summer is caused by indigestion, symptoms can be relieved by consuming an appropriate amount of dietary fiber-rich foods, such as dragon fruit and bananas, which help soften stools. When necessary, under a doctor's guidance, medications that enhance gastrointestinal motility—such as domperidone or mosapride—may be used to promote intestinal movement and alleviate symptoms.
2. Constipation
For constipation-induced difficulty defecating in summer, physical methods such as warm compresses and abdominal massage are typically used first to stimulate intestinal motility and relieve symptoms. If these are ineffective, doctors may recommend stimulant laxatives such as phenolphthalein or bisacodyl to accelerate intestinal movement and reduce symptoms.
3. Intestinal Obstruction
If difficulty defecating is due to intestinal obstruction, for incomplete obstruction, non-surgical approaches are typically followed as directed by a physician, including fasting and electrolyte replacement to alleviate symptoms. In more severe cases, surgery is often required—such as bowel resection with anastomosis, or side-to-side anastomosis between the proximal and distal segments of the obstructed area—to remove the obstruction and relieve the condition.
