Millions of Americans fight a battle daily against chronic constipation. If you are one of them you may be seriously thinking of using a laxative as your constipation relief. The enemy is characterized by the following symptoms:
• Hardened stools
• Three or fewer bowel movements in a week
• Straining during bowel movements
• Experiencing incomplete evacuation (real or imagined)
The laxatives designed to treat the symptoms are made up of chemicals that increase stool, motility, frequency and bulk. In the case of laxatives however, misuse and overuse can only serve to worsen the symptoms that laxatives are designed to remedy.
Alternatives to laxatives do exist, however. A diet that includes plenty of fiber, fruits and vegetables, and as well whole-grains and cereals can improve your symptoms. Drinking as much as 2 quarts of water a day or including an equivalent amount of the right sorts of drinks also helps. Regular exercise can improve health issues that relate to constipation.
Attempting to overcome any hesitancy to move your bowels when you feel as if you should is sound advice. One has to wonder why around 80% of doctor visits for constipation conclude with the patient leaving with a newly written prescription for laxatives. At the very least an understanding of how these medications effect their changes will provide the right perspective on using them safely.
What types of laxatives are there?
There are at least five different forms of laxatives in common use. These include capsules, liquids, suppositories, pills and enemas. Later in the article we will categorize laxatives according to how they work. It’s important to remember that, like medications in general, laxatives can benefit one and cause unpleasant side effects as well. Sometimes the relative simplicity of an enema or suppository can work faster and more safely than a medicine based on a complex chemical reaction. What follows is a quick rundown of the kind of medications classified as laxatives:
Lubricants
A lubricant laxative is designed to make your stools more slippery. It adds mineral oil as a slippery layer to the walls of the intestine. Doctors consider lubricant laxatives as a suitable remedy on a short-term basis for constipation. Long-term use can cause the intestine to absorb fat soluble vitamins and decrease the effectiveness of certain prescription drugs.
Stimulant
Stimulant laxatives work very fast and very efficiently. They stimulate the lining of the intestine and this in turn accelerates the speed of a stool’s journey through the gastrointestinal system. This type of laxative also hydrates the stool. Ex-Lax, Senokot and Correctol are examples. Regular use of this type of laxative can weaken the muscles used for defecation and make one dependent on laxatives to remedy constipation. Cramping and diarrhea are also common side effects. Prunes are also sometimes classified as chronic stimulant laxatives.
Osmotic and Hyperosmolar Laxatives
Osmostic laxatives also increased the moisture level in the stool by drawing fluids into the intestine from surrounding tissue. Hydrated stools are softer and easier to pass. If you use this sort of laxatives it’s very important to drink as much water as possible. If you don’t there is a real possibility you’ll experience gas and cramping.
Stool softeners
Stool softeners (also. known as emollient laxatives ) use a chemical called ducastate to hydrate and soften the stool. The effect of this sort of laxative may take a week or a little bit longer to work. People with hemorrhoids or those who are recovering from surgery or childbirth frequently use this type of laxative.
Fiber
Certain commercial laxative products contain dietary fiber in an easily consumable form.
Whatever laxative you may decide to use, be careful not to overuse it and try to stay in touch with your doctor regarding your use of laxatives.
