Family Practitioner Questions Constipation

What diet is recommend for a person suffering from impacted stool?

My father suffers from severe constipation and recently his stool has become impacted. What are foods to help relieve his discomfort and loosen his stools?

3 Answers

Lots of fruits and fiber, but maybe laxatives will be most effective. Use Miralax and dulcolax daily.
Make sure there is no surgical urgency like obstruction. Colonoscopy should be done; no emergent medical or surgical issues. Pineapple, papaya, and mangoes do wonders. If no renal or chf issues, make a smoothie!
He needs enemas to dis-impact first. Elderly people are prone to impaction.