Case study - providing self-care advice
Case study - providing self-care advice
Mrs Sharp is browsing the indigestion fixture in the pharmacy. She says she is feeling bloated and constipated and wants something to help. She has had a really stressful time at work, as well as recently moving house, and hasn't been eating as healthily as she does normally.
- Case notes
- Self-care advice
Stress is a potential cause, as well as changes in diet if it now includes less fibre. Lack of exercise could be another factor2
- Review her current fibre intake and, if relevant, advise her to increase it. Remind her that this can take a few weeks to have an effect.2 Examples of high fibre foods include wholemeal bread, vegetables, beans/pulses, potatoes with their skins on and high fibre cereals
- See whether she is getting any exercise - and whether she can increase her activity levels. This can help with stress as well as helping to get her bowels moving
- She could try going to the toilet at a regular time each day. First thing in the morning or 30 minutes after a meal is best, as that is when bowel movement is greatest6
- Drink plenty of fluids (around 6-8 glasses per day).
Product advice
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She should try and make the lifestyle changes first. If there is no change, she could try a bulk-forming laxative such as Fybogel, which contains ispaghula husk. To use the Fybogel, she should fill a glass with about 240ml water, add the sachet contents and stir well, then drink straightaway. It is best taken after meals, once in the morning and once in the evening. She should keep drinking plenty of fluids - around 6-8 glasses per day.
