What should I do if I don't have a bowel movement after taking the medication for a gastrointestinal endoscopy?

"Not having a bowel movement after taking the medication" refers to not defecating after taking bowel-cleansing medication before a gastrointestinal endoscopy. This situation can be managed by increasing the drug dosage, switching medications, regulating intestinal flora, abdominal massage, or surgical intervention. Failing to have a bowel movement after taking bowel-cleansing medication prior to a gastrointestinal endoscopy may be caused by insufficient drug dosage, drug insensitivity, improper diet, indigestion, intestinal obstruction, and other factors. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Insufficient drug dosage: Bowel-cleansing medications primarily act on the intestines to promote gastrointestinal motility, thereby clearing the intestines. If the dosage is too low, the medication may take longer to take effect and may not induce a bowel movement. Under a doctor's guidance, the dosage can be appropriately increased based on individual conditions to promote defecation.

2. Drug insensitivity: Individual differences may result in insensitivity to certain bowel-cleansing medications, leading to suboptimal effectiveness and no bowel movement. If the medication proves ineffective due to insensitivity, other types of laxatives can be substituted under medical supervision.

3. Improper diet: Consuming difficult-to-digest foods after taking bowel-cleansing medication may increase the gastrointestinal burden and interfere with defecation. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions and perform clockwise abdominal massage, which can stimulate intestinal motility and promote bowel movements.

4. Indigestion: Overeating or consuming spicy foods before undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy may cause indigestion, leading to constipation, bloating, and other uncomfortable symptoms that affect defecation. Patients should promptly follow medical advice to take medications such as Domperidone tablets, Hawthorn pills, or Baohe granules for treatment.

5. Intestinal obstruction: Intestinal obstruction may be associated with postoperative adhesions, colorectal tumors, and other factors. If intestinal obstruction is present, intestinal contents cannot be evacuated normally, and even after taking medication before gastrointestinal endoscopy, defecation may not occur. Patients may need to visit the hospital for treatments such as anorectal anastomosis or bowel resection.

In daily life, timely dietary adjustments are necessary to avoid consuming difficult-to-digest foods such as sweet potatoes and fried chicken. Maintaining regular meal times and avoiding overeating are also important. After taking bowel-cleansing medication for gastrointestinal endoscopy, patients should closely monitor their physical reactions. If severe discomfort or allergic reactions occur, immediate medical attention is necessary.