Overuse of laxatives may cause serious side effects. How often you have a bowel movement varies, but people normally have as many as three bowel movements a day to as few as three a week.
You may be constipated if you have fewer bowel movements than are normal for you. In addition, constipation may involve stools that are difficult to pass because they're hard, dry or small. Lifestyle improvements relieve constipation for many people, but if problems continue despite these changes, your next choice may be a mild laxative.
Laxatives work in different ways, and the effectiveness of each laxative type varies from person to person. In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term.
Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category. Here are some examples of types of laxatives. Even though many laxatives are available over-the-counter, it's best to talk to your doctor about laxative use and which kind may be best for you. Oral laxatives may interfere with your body's absorption of some medications and nutrients.
Some laxatives can lead to an electrolyte imbalance, especially after prolonged use. Electrolytes — which include calcium, chloride, potassium, magnesium and sodium — regulate a number of body functions. An electrolyte imbalance can cause abnormal heart rhythms, weakness, confusion and seizures. Some products combine different types of laxatives, such as a stimulant and a stool softener.
But combination products don't necessarily work more effectively than single-ingredient products. In addition, they may be more likely to cause side effects. A single-ingredient laxative may work better for you. Read labels to make sure you know what you're taking, and use with caution.
If you've recently given birth, consult your doctor before using laxatives. Although they're usually safe to use during breast-feeding, some ingredients may pass into breast milk and cause diarrhea in nursing infants.
If you're dependent on laxatives to have a bowel movement, ask your doctor for suggestions on how to gradually withdraw from them and restore your colon's natural ability to contract. Constipation is also common during pregnancy and for 6 weeks after giving birth. Making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can help treat constipation.
You may notice a difference within a few days. Sometimes it takes a few weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep to a regular time and place and give yourself plenty of time to use the toilet. To make it easier to poo, try resting your feet on a low stool while going to the toilet.
If possible, raise your knees above your hips. They can suggest a suitable laxative. These are medicines that help you poo more regularly. Most laxatives work within 3 days. They should only be used for a short time. Long-term constipation can lead to faecal impaction. This is where poo has built up in the last part of the large intestine rectum. Most side effects will disappear once a patient stops taking the medication; they can mostly be avoided by starting on a low dose and increasing the dose gradually.
Serious side effects are rare. However, excessive or prolonged use of laxatives can cause diarrhea or intestinal obstruction, where stools become large and dry. Long-term use can also cause levels of salts and minerals in the body to become unbalanced.
Some laxatives react with other medications, so if a patient is taking other drugs, it is best to check with a doctor before taking laxatives. Laxatives can be taken for the wrong reasons and misuse is relatively common ; for instance, some people attempt to lose weight by the frequent and repeated use of laxatives.
Often, this occurs after eating binges under the mistaken belief that food and calories will be rushed through the body before they are absorbed. This is not the case, and laxative abuse can lead to a number of health complications. People with anorexia and bulimia sometimes use large amounts of laxatives as part of their harmful food behavior.
While those misusing laxatives may notice weight loss, this is usually because of the loss of fluids; they do not reduce body mass, fat, or calories. Health complications associated with laxative misuse include:.
Colon infection, IBS, and liver damage are also associated with overuse. Chronic laxative misuse can also contribute to colon cancer. Laxative misuse often requires medical help for both physical and mental treatment. A doctor will be able to give advice on this. However, here are some basic tips for giving up laxatives :.
How someone takes laxatives, and how often they take them, will vary depending on the form they come in. Therefore, it is important to carefully read the instructions before taking laxatives. Anyone with concerns should always ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional. There are also some other important things to consider :.
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