Bowel Management

Preventing patient education PTT022 200 University Ave. E St. Paul, MN 55101 651-291-2848 A satisfactory program for preventing con- • Digital stimulation - Insert a gloved 800-719-4040 (toll-free) stipation requires trial and error, time and finger about 1/2-inch to one inch into the 651-299-3928 (TDD) www.gillettechildrens.org patience. Keep in mind that bowel manage- and use a gentle circular motion ment is different for everyone. Try various for one minute to stimulate the bowel. methods until you find a successful program. This relaxes the sphincter (rectal muscle) Contact Us and allows for movement of the stool. Urgent Questions or Concerns Goals for Bowel Management • -A is a medicine, Telehealth Nursing 1. Emptying the lower bowel at regular either in pill, liquid or suppository form, 651-229-3890 intervals. that also stimulates the bowel, causing

Other Questions 2. Preventing accidents between regular it to contract and move stool out of the About Your Care emptying. intestine. St. Paul Clinic patients: 3. Preventing constipation. • Manual evacuation - Removing stool Nurse Call Line within the rectum with a gloved finger 651-578-5000 4. Promoting independence. may be necessary if other techniques are Patients at Other Locations: not successful. Methods for Bowel Evacuation Contact a member of your • - liquid is injected into the Gillette health care team. You can use a variety of methods to help pre- intestine through the rectum to stimulate Appointments vent constipation. Check with your doctor bowel emptying. Enemas stretch and 651-290-8707 about which methods are best for you. If irritate the bowel, causing it to contract. medicines are needed, such as supposito- Enemas are usually one of the last choices ries or laxatives, your doctor or clinic nurse for the treatment. can help you decide which to use. Let your doctor or clinic nurse know if the method Helpful Tips you are trying is not working. Beyond that: 1. Sitting is better than lying down for a bowel movement. If your feet don’t touch Drink plenty of fluid -This causes the • the floor when sitting on the toilet, put intestine to contract and moves stool a box or footstool under the feet so your down to and out the . knees are higher than the hips. This squat • Natural laxatives - Foods such as peaches, position helps promote bowel emptying. pears, papaya and prunes are natural If your child can not sit on a toilet, try laxatives that trigger a bowel movement. repositioning. Putting a child in a stander, for example, can be helpful. • Stool softeners - These prevent hardening of stools and can be taken on a regular 2. Start a new routine with an empty bowel (a very mild laxative or small could basis. be given to clean the bowel). • Suppositories- A suppository is a 3. Diet is very important. Foods containing medicine that is inserted into the rectum. fiber such as bran cereals, whole grain It stimulates the bowel and causes it to breads, fruits (especially peaches, prunes, contract. When inserted, the suppository pears, plums) and raw vegetables help Books, DVDs should come in contact with the rectal stimulate the bowel by adding bulk to the and More wall. diet. Limit foods that cause constipation Find materials about like chocolate, cheese and bananas. disabilities, medical conditions and support for caregivers. Continued on next page. Health Resources and Education St. Paul campus, near fourth-floor skyway

651-229-3938

[email protected] This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your health care providers. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor or others on your health care team. 2/6/14 4. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and fruit juices, to keep the stool from becoming hard. But limit fruit juices to 4-8 ounces a day. 5. No more than three days should be missed without a bowel movement. 6. Clean the skin well after each bowel movement or acci- dent. This prevents skin irritation. 7. Activity is essential for normal bowel function. Inactiv- ity tends to slow bowel function. Regular physical ther- apy or other exercise will help improve bowel function.

Bowel Management Preventing Constipation This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your health care providers. 2/12/14 PG 2 If you have any questions, talk with your doctor or others on your health care team. PTT022