Constipation following vacation

Hello, and thank you so much in advance for your help :)

I am a 23 year old female.

I went away to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for 10 days, in the middle of July. For the first half of the trip, my bowel movements were pretty typical and normal. After that, I basically stopped going... constipated. I assumed that I would become regular again once I returned home. I did not go at home until the morning after having a few drinks with friends (it is typical for me to have to use the bathroom the morning after consuming alcohol).. again, I thought I would be regular once I went. Nope! After about 3 or so days of not going again, I went to the pharmacy and bought the magnesium drink (10 ozs)... drank that, and I went for most of that day... but, since then, I have only gone once (in about 5 days)and again, it was the morning after a few drinks. I began taking Fiber Choice about a week or so ago.

I am worried, because although I was never someone who had a bowel movement every single day, I went often enough that I didnt feel bloated, full, etc. I am hoping that you could provide some insight... should I go see my GP, or should I try some things at home before going to the Dr.? Because of the timing, I believe that this constipation probably has something to do with traveling to the Dominican Republic and living a different life style for 10 days... laying around a lot, eating atypical (for me) foods, different water, etc. I was also drinking mixed drinks with a lot of fresh bananas in them... I know that bananas can be "binding" (mom informed me of that).

I would really appreciate any information you could give me...  should I be worried?  

Thank you very, very much for your help. I hope you have a great day!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Travelling can certainly lead to a change in bowel habits.  Irritable bowel disease as well as colonic motility disorders can also be considered.  

Increasing the fiber in the diet, as you are doing, can help regulate the bowel movements as well as treat IBS.  Testing the stool for any infection can also be considered.  

If the constipation continues, a lower endoscopy (i.e. colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy) can be considered.  

If IBS is the diagnosis, medications like anti-spasmodic agents or Zelnorm can be considered as well.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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