Health

Chronic vs. acute constipation

The main difference between chronic and acute constipation is how long the constipation lasts.

In general, acute or short-term constipation is:

• infrequent, lasting only a few days
• brought on by a change in diet or routine,

  travel, lack of exercise, illness, or a medication

• relieved by over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives, exercise, or a high-fiber diet

Name of medicine

Glycerin (glycerol) suppositories for constipation.

This product is used to relieve occasional constipation. Glycerin belongs to a class of drugs known as hyperosmotic laxatives. It works by drawing water into the intestines.

Suppositories and hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in and around the anus and rectum. They can become enlarged and irritated, causing pain and discomfort. Glycerin suppositories are a solid preparation of medicine meant to be inserted into the rectum, where they dissolve and are absorbed through the lining of the rectum.

What is constipation?

If you have constipation—less than three bowel movements a week, dry or lumpy stool, and/or stool that is hard to pass—you should know that every year around 2.5 million people in the US visit their doctor for this problem, so you’re not alone.