Patient's question:
Patient is male, 71 years old, with a history of stomach disease for over 40 years and constipation for six years. In the past two months, he has frequently experienced abdominal bloating and pain. On January 16, 2010, he underwent a colonoscopy, which revealed edema of the rectal mucosa and was diagnosed with melanosis coli. What should be noted when treating chronic functional constipation?Doctor's answer:
Generally, dietary therapy can still be adopted, such as mung bean porridge, three-seed porridge, and astragalus porridge, etc. It is recommended to consume more vegetables and fruits rich in dietary fiber, drink plenty of water, and it is better to drink a cup of light salt water every morning to stimulate intestinal movement and aid in defecation. It is also important to maintain a positive mood. For male patients, timely treatment can reduce the incidence of the disease. If left untreated, it may affect fertility. Therefore, patients should take oral medication promptly and maintain regular sexual activity in daily life to avoid prolonged sitting.