Laxatives may be the first answer. For people who experience difficulty excreting Or what is known as Constipation, which is a disorder of bowel movement. The symptoms are Defecating less than 3 times per week or difficulty defecating Taking longer than usual to push Or having hard defecation. Constipation can happen to anyone, any gender, any age, but is often found in the elderly. People who are not physically active People who eat foods that are low in fiber and those who drink less water But do you know how continuous reliance on laxatives affects our body? And this is what will happen to our body after taking laxatives every day in a row.
What is a laxative?
Even people who defecate regularly may need to use laxatives from time to time. Laxatives are like your body’s personal coach. Stimulates the digestive system to work when needed. Technically, a laxative is a medicine or treatment that helps improve constipation. By making the stool softer and easier to pass.
How many types of laxatives are there?
There isn’t just one type of laxative. Each type has a different mechanism of action. Let’s go see what kind there are. How can it help us to have a comfortable bowel movement?
1. Laxatives increase fiber. (Bulk-forming laxatives)
- Acts like a sponge Helps absorb water into the intestines Increase the volume of the stool to make it soft. Easier to excrete. Examples: Psyllium (Psyllium), methyl cellulose. (Methylcellulose)
2. Stimulant laxatives
- Stimulate the intestines to contract and move. Resulting in faeces moving through faster. Examples: Bisacodyl (Bisacodyl), Senna (Senna)
3. Osmotic laxatives
- Pulls water from the intestinal wall into the intestinal lumen. Makes the stool soft and easy to excrete. Examples: Lactulose (Lactulose), Polyethylene Glycol, ufabet https://ufabet999.app.
4. Stool softeners
- Add moisture to the stool Anti-freeze Makes bowel movement easy. Example: Docusate.
5. Enteric coated laxatives (Lubricant laxatives)
- Creates a film coating the stool surface and intestinal wall. Reduce friction Helps stool pass through the intestines smoothly. Example: Mineral oil.
6. Serotonin stimulating laxatives (Serotonin 5-HT4 agonists)
- Stimulates the secretion of more water in the intestines. Promotes faster stool movement. Example: Prucalopride.
Choose safe laxatives.
Even laxatives can help relieve concerns about constipation. But it must be used with caution. Shouldn’t be used continuously for a long time. May result in side effects such as diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, etc. if you have chronic constipation. You should consult a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. In addition to laxatives Adjust your eating habits, drink water, eat high-fiber foods, exercise, and go to the bathroom on time. It helps to make the digestive system smooth.
How to use laxatives
Laxatives can be taken in a number of ways. Depending on the type and specific product, laxatives generally come in oral forms such as tablets, liquids, and powders that can be mixed with water. These medicines are usually taken by mouth as directed on the label or by your doctor. Certain types of laxatives, such as certain types of laxatives It may be in the form of an enema or suppository. These medicines are inserted directly into the rectum.
How to take oral laxatives
- Read medicine labels carefully before taking any type of laxative.
- Take the amount of laxatives recommended on the label or by your doctor.
- If taking laxative tablets Swallow the pill whole. Do not crush or chew the medicine.
- If taking liquid laxatives Shake the medicine bottle before taking.
- If taking powdered laxatives Mix the powder with water according to the amount recommended on the label.
How to take enema or suppository laxatives
- Read the medicine label carefully before using any type of enema or suppository laxative.
- Wash your hands before using laxatives.
- Follow the instructions on the label or by your doctor carefully.
Precautions for using laxatives
- Do not use laxatives for more than 7 days in a row.
- If you experience diarrhea, stomach pain or headaches, you should stop using laxatives and consult a doctor.
- You should not use laxatives if you have any of the following symptoms:
- diarrhea
- severe stomach pain
- Allergy to laxatives
- Have health problems such as kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, diabetes.
Other options To relieve constipation
In addition to using laxatives There are other ways. To relieve constipation, such as
- Drink enough water
- Eat foods high in fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains.
- Exercise regularly
- Modify your bowel habits, such as going to the bathroom on time.
Possible side effects of using laxatives
Using laxatives Especially using it regularly and continuously. There may be a risk of side effects that may adversely affect your health. The following are some of the possible side effects of using laxatives. Consider this carefully before deciding to use laxatives as part of your daily routine.
Common side effects
- diarrhea
- stomach ache
- squeamish
- vomit
- have a headache
- tired
- Intestinal irritation
- dehydrated
Severe side effects
- severe dehydration
- electrolyte abnormalities
- Intestinal obstruction
- Intestinal perforation
- Arrhythmia
- high blood pressure
- Allergic reactions
Group of people who should be careful about using laxatives
- People with health problems such as kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, diabetes.
- People who take certain medications, such as blood pressure lowering drugs, diuretics, and dewormers
- People with diarrhea
- People with severe abdominal pain