Constipation: Often caused through dehydration ,reduced mobility, poor nutritional intake, and poor absorption the gut (of the person with Parkinsons) from the nutritional and fluid intake. Everyone’s bowel movement vary from daily to every 2 days. In Parkinsons it needs to be daily in order for the medications to be effective as they are ineffective trying to work through a constipated bowel. Untreated constipation can lead to hospital admission for weeks to empty the bowel over many days. If constipated is suspected I suggest increasing fluid intake. increase exercise where possible. Increase fibre in take only if you are drinking adequate fluids. Fruit and vegetable in take increased can help some. Consider short term use of Movicol sachets which are available through your GP. If its really problematic then the practice nurse or district nurse can offer an enema to empty the bowel and then take regular laxatives. Prunes Figs linseed oil and many other things are also available and can be effective in some. Don’t delay resolving constipation as it needs to be taken serious to avoid hospital admission and deteriorating Parkinsons symptoms.
