How many laxatives should you take for constipation relief. What is docusate and how does it work. Who can safely use docusate laxatives. How to properly take or use docusate for optimal results. What are the potential side effects of docusate. When should you consult a doctor about using laxatives.

Understanding Docusate: A Gentle Laxative for Constipation

Docusate is a type of laxative medication used to treat constipation by softening stools and making bowel movements easier. It’s particularly useful for individuals experiencing difficulty with dry stools, hemorrhoids, or anal fissures. Docusate works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making it softer and easier to pass.

This medication comes in various forms, including:

• Capsules
• Liquid
• Enema

Docusate is available both by prescription and over-the-counter, with one common brand being DulcoEase.

Key Facts About Docusate Usage and Effectiveness

When considering docusate as a laxative option, it’s essential to understand its key characteristics:

• Oral forms (capsules and liquid) typically take 1-2 days to work
• Enemas usually produce results within 20 minutes
• Not recommended for children under 12 without a doctor’s prescription
• Should not be used for more than a week without consulting a healthcare provider

Is docusate safe for everyone? While generally well-tolerated, certain individuals should avoid using docusate. These include people with:

• Known allergies to docusate or its ingredients
• Intestinal blockages
• Severe abdominal pain
• Recent episodes of nausea or vomiting

Proper Administration of Docusate Laxatives

To ensure the safe and effective use of docusate, follow these guidelines:

Capsules:

Swallow whole with plenty of water. The typical dose is one capsule taken three times daily, not exceeding five capsules per day.

Liquid:

Use the provided measuring cup or spoon to ensure accurate dosing. The standard dose is two to three 5ml spoonfuls taken three times a day. Follow with plenty of water or another beverage.

Enema:

Gently squeeze the liquid into the anus following the instructions provided. Usually, one tube is sufficient, but a second dose may be used later in the day or the next day if necessary.

Regardless of the form, it’s crucial to maintain adequate hydration by drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily while using docusate.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While docusate is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience side effects. Common mild side effects include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps

These effects typically subside within a few days. When using docusate enemas, some users may experience temporary burning or discomfort around the anus, or occasional minor bleeding.

Can docusate interact with other medications? As with any medication, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider about all drugs and supplements you’re taking to avoid potential interactions.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While docusate can be an effective treatment for constipation, there are situations where professional medical advice is necessary:

• If constipation persists for more than a week despite using docusate
• If you experience severe abdominal pain or rectal bleeding
• If you’re considering giving docusate to a child under 12
• If you have a chronic medical condition or are taking other medications

How can you determine if your constipation requires medical attention? Consider these factors:

• Duration of symptoms
• Severity of discomfort
• Presence of other concerning symptoms (e.g., unexplained weight loss, fever)
• Changes in bowel habits

Alternative Approaches to Managing Constipation

While docusate can be an effective treatment, there are several lifestyle changes and natural remedies that can help prevent and alleviate constipation:

1. Increase fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
3. Engage in regular physical activity
4. Establish a consistent bathroom routine
5. Consider probiotic supplements to support gut health

How do these natural approaches compare to using laxatives? While laxatives like docusate can provide quick relief, lifestyle changes offer long-term benefits for digestive health without the risk of dependence or side effects.

Understanding Different Types of Laxatives

Docusate is just one type of laxative available for constipation relief. Other common categories include:

• Bulk-forming laxatives (e.g., psyllium)
• Osmotic laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol)
• Stimulant laxatives (e.g., bisacodyl)
• Lubricant laxatives (e.g., mineral oil)

Each type works differently and may be more suitable for certain individuals or situations. How do you choose the right laxative for your needs? Consider factors such as:

• The underlying cause of your constipation
• The severity of your symptoms
• Any pre-existing medical conditions
• Potential interactions with other medications

Consulting with a healthcare provider can help you determine the most appropriate laxative option for your specific situation.

Long-term Considerations for Laxative Use

While laxatives like docusate can provide effective relief from constipation, it’s important to consider the implications of long-term use:

• Potential for dependency
• Changes in normal bowel function
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Dehydration

How can you minimize the risks associated with long-term laxative use? Consider these strategies:

1. Use laxatives only as directed and for short periods
2. Address underlying causes of chronic constipation
3. Incorporate dietary and lifestyle changes to promote regular bowel movements
4. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice on managing chronic constipation

By taking a holistic approach to digestive health, you can reduce reliance on laxatives and promote overall well-being.

Special Considerations for Specific Populations

Certain groups may require special attention when considering laxative use:

• Pregnant women
• Elderly individuals
• People with chronic medical conditions
• Individuals taking multiple medications

For these populations, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any laxative regimen, including docusate. They can provide guidance on safe and effective constipation management tailored to individual needs and circumstances.

The Role of Gut Health in Constipation Management

Emerging research highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome for optimal digestive function. How does gut health relate to constipation and laxative use? Consider these points:

• A balanced gut microbiome can promote regular bowel movements
• Certain probiotics may help alleviate constipation
• Excessive laxative use can disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria

To support gut health and potentially reduce the need for laxatives, consider incorporating fermented foods, prebiotic-rich foods, and probiotic supplements into your diet. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or supplement regimen.

The Psychological Aspects of Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation can have significant impacts on quality of life and mental well-being. How does the psychological aspect of constipation influence treatment approaches? Consider these factors:

• Stress and anxiety can exacerbate constipation symptoms
• Chronic constipation may lead to feelings of embarrassment or social isolation
• Cognitive-behavioral strategies can complement medical treatments for constipation

Addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of constipation can lead to more comprehensive and effective management. This may involve a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and psychological support.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Constipation Management

The field of gastroenterology continues to evolve, with new treatments and approaches to constipation management emerging. What are some promising areas of research in this field?

• Novel pharmaceutical agents targeting specific digestive processes
• Microbiome-based therapies
• Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic and metabolic profiles
• Advanced diagnostic tools for identifying underlying causes of chronic constipation

While these developments offer hope for improved constipation management in the future, it’s important to focus on currently available, evidence-based treatments and lifestyle modifications under the guidance of healthcare professionals.

The Importance of Patient Education in Constipation Management

Effective management of constipation often requires active patient involvement and understanding. How can improved patient education contribute to better outcomes? Consider these aspects:

• Increased awareness of normal bowel habits and warning signs
• Better understanding of dietary and lifestyle factors affecting constipation
• Improved adherence to treatment plans and medication regimens
• Enhanced ability to communicate effectively with healthcare providers about symptoms and concerns

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in educating patients about constipation management, including the appropriate use of laxatives like docusate. Patients should feel empowered to ask questions and seek clarification to ensure they have the knowledge needed to manage their digestive health effectively.

Integrating Complementary and Alternative Medicine Approaches

While conventional treatments like docusate remain the mainstay of constipation management, some individuals may be interested in exploring complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches. What are some CAM therapies that have shown promise in managing constipation?

• Acupuncture
• Herbal remedies (e.g., senna, cascara)
• Abdominal massage
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques

It’s important to note that the evidence supporting these approaches varies, and they should not replace conventional medical care. Always consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating CAM therapies into your constipation management plan, especially if you’re using medications like docusate.

The Economic Impact of Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation can have significant economic implications, both for individuals and healthcare systems. What are some of the economic factors associated with constipation management?

• Direct costs of medications and medical care
• Indirect costs due to lost productivity and work absenteeism
• Healthcare resource utilization for diagnostic tests and treatments
• Long-term costs associated with complications of chronic constipation

Understanding the economic impact of constipation highlights the importance of effective management strategies, including appropriate use of laxatives like docusate and implementation of preventive measures. By addressing constipation effectively, individuals and healthcare systems can potentially reduce the overall economic burden associated with this common condition.

Docusate: a laxative to treat constipation

1. About docusate

Docusate is a type of medicine called a laxative. It helps to soften your poo and makes your bowel movements easier if you have problems pooing (constipation).

It is helpful when you have difficulty going to the toilet because of dry poos or piles (haemorrhoids) or if you have a tear in the lining of your intestine near your anus (anal fissure).

You may also be given docusate if you’re going to have an x-ray of your stomach. It can help you empty your bowels beforehand.

Docusate comes as capsules and as a liquid that you swallow. It also comes as an enema. This is a tube of liquid medicine which you squeeze into your anus (bottom).

Docusate is available on prescription or to buy from pharmacies. There is one brand called DulcoEase that you can buy in pharmacies and shops.

2. Key facts

• Docusate capsules and liquid take 1 or 2 days to work.
• The enema usually works within 20 minutes, so it’s best to stay close to a toilet.
• Only give docusate to a child under 12 years old if their doctor prescribes it.
• Do not take it for more than a week without talking with your doctor.
• Common side effects include feeling sick (nausea).

3. Who can and cannot take docusate

Most adults and children aged 12 years and over can safely take docusate.

Important

Never give docusate to a child under 12 years old unless their doctor prescribes it.

Docusate is not suitable for some people. To make sure it is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

• ever had an allergic reaction to docusate or any other medicines
• a blockage in your gut (intestine)
• stomach pains
• been feeling sick or have vomited in the last 24 hours

Do not use an enema containing docusate if you have:

• piles (haemorrhoids) or bleeding from your bottom
• a sore around your anus (anal fissure)
• ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, or other inflammatory bowel condition
• parlytic ileus (when the muscles in your bowel are not able to move food and liquid along)

4.

How and when to take or use docusate

Docusate comes as capsules, liquid and an enema.

How to take or use it

Capsules – swallow the capsule whole with plenty of water.

Liquid – this comes with a plastic cup or spoon to measure the dose. Do not use a kitchen spoon as it will not give the right amount. If you do not have a cup or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. When you’ve swallowed it, drink plenty of water or have another drink, such as milk or orange juice.

Enema – squeeze the tube of liquid gently into your anus. The information leaflet which comes with your docusate will explain how to do this.

Docusate does not usually upset your stomach. You can take the capsules or liquid with or without food. Try to take your medicine at regular intervals throughout the day. Mealtimes (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are useful reminders.

There is no specific time of day to use an enema but it works quickly (usually between 5 and 20 minutes), so use it when you know you’ll be near a toilet.

Dosage

Capsules – the normal dose is 1 capsule, taken 3 times a day. Do not take more than 5 capsules in a day.

Liquid – the normal dose is two or three 5ml spoonfuls. Take this dose 3 times a day.

Enema – normally 1 tube of liquid is all you need. If you need a second dose, you can use it later in the day or the next day.

You will usually feel more comfortable within 1 or 2 days of treatment. Reduce the dose as your condition gets better.

Drink plenty of fluids (6 to 8 glasses a day) while you are taking docusate or your constipation may get worse.

What if I forget to take it?

If you forget a dose of docusate, do not worry. Just take the next dose as normal.

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

What if I take too much?

Taking an extra dose of docusate as a one-off is unlikely to harm you, but it is a good idea to drink lots of water. You may get diarrhoea and stomach pain, but this will usually get better within 1 or 2 days.

If you’re worried, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist for advice.

5. Side effects

Like all medicines, docusate may cause side effects in some people but most people have no side effects or only minor ones.

Common side effects

If you get any of these side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist:

• feeling sick (nausea)
• diarrhoea
• stomach cramps

These side effects are mild and usually go away after a couple of days.

When using a docusate enema you may get a burning feeling or pain around your bottom (anus). Occasionally the wall of the anus may bleed. This is a reaction to the enema and it usually clears up quickly. If the pain or bleeding does not go away or you are worried, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

In rare cases, it’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to docusate.

Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:

• your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
• you’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
• your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
• your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
• you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
• someone faints and cannot be woken up
• a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)

You or the person who’s unwell may also have a rash that’s swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.

These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

These are not all the side effects of docusate. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.

Information:

You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.

Visit Yellow Card for further information.

6. How to cope with side effects of docusate

What to do about:

• feeling sick – try taking docusate with a meal or snack. You could also try mixing your dose with some water or fruit juice.
• diarrhoea – if you’re using docusate for mild constipation and get diarrhoea, stop taking docusate. Your bowels will usually return to normal in a few days. Drink plenty of water or other fluids to prevent dehydration and stop the constipation returning. If your doctor has prescribed docusate for severe or long-term constipation and you get diarrhoea, ask them for advice about what to do. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
• stomach cramps – if you get stomach cramps, reduce your dose of docusate until this goes away.

7. Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you can try to treat constipation without taking a medicine. This involves eating more fibre and drinking plenty of fluids. It may also help to do gentle exercise.

If diet and lifestyle changes do not work, your doctor or midwife may recommend a laxative, such as lactulose or Fybogel. These laxatives are quite often used during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Docusate in pregnancy

Docusate is occasionally used in pregnancy and there is no evidence to suggest it will harm your baby. However, other types of laxative are usually tried first, because there is more information to say that they are safe.

Docusate and breastfeeding

If your doctor or midwife recommends docusate, instead of lactulose or Fybogel, it’s usually ok to use this medicine while breastfeeding. The amounts of docusate found in breast milk are probably very small and are unlikely to affect your baby.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife or doctor as soon as possible.

Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you’re:

• trying to get pregnant
• pregnant
• breastfeeding

For more information about how laxatives can affect you and your baby, read this leaflet about treating constipation on the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPs) website.

8. Cautions with other medicines

Do not take docusate with a mineral oil laxative such as liquid paraffin.

Mixing docusate with herbal remedies and supplements

There’s very little information about taking herbal remedies and supplements with docusate.

Important:
Medicine safety

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements.

9. Common questions about docusate

How does docusate work?

Docusate helps to soften your poo by increasing the amount of water in it. This makes it easier for you to go to the toilet.

Docusate also stimulates the muscles that line your gut, helping poo to move poo along your bowel to your anus.

When will I feel better?

Docusate capsules and liquid normally take 1 or 2 days to work. The enema usually works after 5 to 20 minutes, so it’s best to stay close to a toilet.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are still constipated after a week.

How long willI take docusate for?

Take docusate for up to 1 week. If you take docusate for longer, your bowel can start to rely on it, rather than working on its own.

If you are still constipated after taking docusate for a week, talk to your doctor.

If your constipation is caused by an illness or a medicine you’re taking, your doctor will advise you about when it’s best to stop taking docusate.

Is it safe to take docusate for a long time?

It’s best to use docusate occasionally and for a few days at a time.

Using laxatives like docusate for longer can lead to long term diarrhoea.

They can also cause an electrolyte imbalance. This means that levels of salts and minerals like sodium, potassium and magnesium in your body get too high or too low. A severe electrolyte imbalance can cause serious health problems such as muscle spasm and twitching, and even fits or seizures.

Using docusate for many weeks, even months, could also stop your bowel working properly on its own.

Can I take different laxatives together?

For most people, 1 laxative will be enough to relieve constipation.

Occasionally, you may need to take 2 different types of laxatives at the same time to get your bowels moving again.

Only take 2 laxatives together on the advice of your doctor or pharmacist as there is an increased risk of side effects.

Are there other laxatives I can try?

There are other types of laxative. They work in a different way to docusate but are equally good at treating constipation.

Bulk-forming laxatives, for example Fybogel. These increase the bulk or weight of poo which in turn stimulates bowel movement. They take 2 or 3 days to work.

Osmotic laxatives, for example lactulose. These draw water from the rest of the body into your bowel to soften your poo and make it easier to go to the toilet. They take at least 2 days to work.

Stimulant laxatives, for example senna and bisacodyl. These stimulate the muscles that line your gut, helping them to move poo along your gut. Senna takes about 8 hours to work.

Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?

You can eat and drink normally while taking docusate.

It might be a good idea to stop eating pastries, puddings, sweets, cheese and cake for a while as these foods can make constipation worse.

Can I drink alcohol with it?

Yes, you can drink alcohol with docusate.

Can I use docusate after surgery?

It’s quite common to have constipation after surgery. Using a laxative may help relieve the discomfort.

If you have constipation after an operation, it’s better to use lactulose because it is gentler than docusate. You can get lactulose from pharmacies.

Can lifestyle changes help constipation?

It’s often possible to improve constipation without having to use laxatives. Before trying docusate – or to stop constipation coming back – it may help to:

• eat more fibre – aim for about 30g of fibre a day. High-fibre foods include fruit, vegetables and cereals. If you’re not used to a high-fibre diet, increase the amount of fibre you eat gradually.
• add bulking agents, such as wheat bran, to your diet. These will help make your poo softer and easier to pass (although bran and fibre can sometimes make bloating worse).
• drink plenty of water – to keep poo soft
• exercise regularly – keeping your body active will help to keep your gut moving

Don’t bomb the bowel with laxatives

Occasional irregularity is a fact of life, but you can minimize it with some basic steps. You should be sure you are eating a fiber-rich diet, drinking adequate fluids, and staying physically active.

But when you have constipation, the best laxative is the gentlest and safest option, like a bulk-forming laxative. If laxatives don’t work, ask for help. You should see your doctor and discuss it if you are constantly needing to take laxatives.

How do stool softeners work?

Stool softeners work by softening stools to make them easier to pass. They can be in capsule, tablet, liquid, and syrup form and are usually taken at bedtime. Be sure to take stool softeners exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

First choice: bulk-forming laxatives

Bulk-forming laxatives draw water into stool, making it softer and easier to pass. But don’t expect instant gratification: these can take a half-day to several days to provide relief. They are safe to use daily. They contain various ingredients, and you may have to try more than one to find the product that helps you with minimal side effects, such as flatulence and bloating. They may be marketed as laxatives or as fiber supplements.

For stuck stools…

Stool softeners add moisture to stools to make them softer and easier to pass. Mineral oil, a lubricant, helps stools “slide on by” if the stools feel stuck low in your bowels, if you have an internal tear or “fissure,” or if you have pain from hemorrhoids during bowel movements.

Don’t take mineral oil at the same time as stool softeners. Take 1 tablespoon at breakfast or lunch. But don’t use it for more than a few days, because mineral oil interferes with absorption of some vitamins and if inhaled it can cause pneumonia. Consider wearing a protective pad in your undergarments to absorb any leakage.

Other laxative options

If stool softeners aren’t providing enough help, the osmotic laxative polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX or a generic version) is good next step. These products hold water in stool to soften it and increase bowel movements. Common side effects are gas, bloating, and nausea.

Another option that works for some people is diet candies containing the sweetener sorbitol. These essentially trigger a mild case of the runs. You may experience bloating and gas along with the laxative effect, however.

Another option would be a magnesium-based laxative, such as milk of magnesia or magnesium citrate. These are members of a larger class of laxatives called saline osmotics, which draw water into the bowels and trigger bowel movements. The active ingredients include magnesium, sulfate, citrate, and phosphate.

But don’t take more than the recommended amounts of these laxatives, or use them long-term, because they can throw off your chemistry. Combined with an underperforming kidney or heart failure, saline osmotic laxatives can be dangerous.

Stimulant laxatives

Stimulant laxatives such as senna and bisacodyl trigger contractions in the bowels that push the stool along. But if you take stimulant laxatives too often, you could become dependent on them to have a bowel movement at all — possibly because the bowel has stopped functioning normally.

When to talk to a doctor

If you find yourself trying one laxative after another, see your doctor for an evaluation. Additional testing can lead to better therapy and rule out any possible serious malfunctions. And if it is just constipation, your doctor can offer other medications to you that may be more helpful than over-the-counter laxatives.

Image: Wavebreakmedia/Getty Images

What will happen to the body if you take a laxative regularly for at least two weeks? But the passion for these drugs threatens the development of an extremely unpleasant disease. Treating it will be much more difficult than dealing with constipation.

November 7, 2022

Source:

iStockphoto

It would seem that what’s wrong with eliminating constipation with laxatives, because they are sold in pharmacies and are designed specifically to solve such problems? If we are talking about episodic problems with stools that are associated with travel, stress or dietary changes, taking laxatives is acceptable. But the regular use of these drugs can threaten the development of laxative disease. So in medical language they call addiction to laxatives and the subsequent inability to empty the intestines without taking them.

We asked gastroenterologist Vera Samsonova for details about the causes of this disease and how to deal with it.

Specialists in the field of gastroenterology and coloproctology began to talk about laxative disease not so long ago. Pathology is one of the “man-made” problems, that is, it is created due to the fact that people can buy laxatives at the nearest pharmacy without a prescription at a relatively low price. They do not go to the doctor to find out the causes of constipation and eliminate them so that the stool improves.

It is easier to deal with the consequences, that is, simply clear the intestines of accumulated masses and wait for the next episode. It is good if the instructions are read before using the medicine, everything is done in strict accordance with it and there are no side effects that accompany the use of certain laxatives. But in any case, the problem is not solved.

Read also

You will still get to the doctor. But already with complications

Doctors began to talk about laxative disease relatively recently, with the appearance on the pharmacy market of numerous laxative drugs in the form of powders, tablets, solutions, etc. In addition, laxatives began to be actively and quite aggressively promoted in various social networks , magazines and even clinics, positioning them as a means of quickly and safely solving delicate problems.

Of course, the fact that the drug will help clear the intestines from the contents and bring relief for the first, second and even tenth time is indisputable. But over time, people notice that the usual remedy has become worse to help, you need to take it more often, increase the dose, and going to the toilet without a laxative is generally a problem. The frequency of side effects also increases – this is the beginning of laxative disease. And with such neglected problems, most of them already go to a specialist.

90% of problems occur within 2 weeks

Under the influence of drugs, the intestines are emptied, because the drugs strongly irritate the walls of the intestine, cause an increase in the volume of water inside the intestine, or activate motility. And everything would be fine, but the intestines get used, and rather quickly, to what everyone is doing for him, with the help of laxatives. As a result, motility suffers, metabolism is disturbed, and a state of “lazy gut” occurs.

There is evidence from studies that almost 90% of people with constipation develop laxative disease within two weeks of taking laxatives. If you cancel these funds, constipation only intensifies, and not everyone wants to correct nutrition, drinking regimen and move more instead of drinking drugs. A vicious circle is formed, which is difficult to break.

See also

Why a laxative is the last resort

No more than 10-15% of constipation has organic causes – that is, they are associated with problems of the intestine itself. Most often this is the result of an unhealthy diet, changes in physical activity, fluid deficiency. In addition, constipation often occurs in pregnant women due to the peculiarities of the anatomy – the growing uterus simply puts pressure on the intestines. Often the elderly also suffer from this – aging of the body, accumulated diseases and inactivity – all this contributes to problems at this age.

And for all these people, laxatives are not a solution to the problem, but only the acquisition of new health disorders. Only in some people, constipation is a symptom of digestive problems – intestinal strictures, polyps, cancer, disorders in the liver, pancreas, a consequence of a stroke, etc. But they also need to solve the problem with laxatives last.

What if it’s a harmless “weed”?

You should not be under the illusion that the problem will arise only from pharmacy “chemistry”. And if it’s natural herbal remedies or recipes handed down to us from ancestors, it’s safe. No, the origin of the laxative has little effect on the development of laxative disease. Moreover, often herbal, natural remedies even more often provoke a problem, because people are wary of pharmacy “chemistry”, but there is no such alertness in relation to herbal remedies.

In fact, stimulation of the intestines with various substances provokes disturbances in motility, a disorder of the close connections between the muscles in the walls of the intestines and the nervous system. Without constant stimulation, motor skills weaken, become lethargic, which is why, in order to empty, you need to take drugs again each time.

Read also

Dangerous complications

In addition to the fact that the main problem is not solved – the regularity of the chair, there is also a lot of new ones. Among them – a violation of absorption in the colon of water and ions, vitamins. This disrupts the water-electrolyte balance, the plasma becomes acidic, we feel worse and worse.

Constant irritation of the mucosa eventually leads to inflammation, atrophy of the intestinal villi, melanosis of the intestinal walls and even cancer. The nerve ganglia of the intestine suffer, they atrophy, and in the future it will be difficult to restore motor skills.

When the intestines are irritated, bloating, spasms, flatulence, diarrhea and weight loss occur. If ions are lost, especially potassium, the heart rate suffers, pressure jumps. It is often necessary to correct such problems already in the hospital and then restore the stool for a long time and systematically.

Text author:Alena Paretskaya

How many days constipation can last and what to do

How many days of stool retention in adults can be considered constipation?

How many days of stool retention in adults can be considered constipation?

Constipation is a violation of the function of bowel movement, in which the intervals between acts of defecation increase to 3 days or more, and there is also significant physical discomfort in the process of bowel movement ^{1, 3} .

There is no unambiguous answer to the question of how many days of stool retention in an adult can be considered constipation, and cannot be. The normal rhythm of bowel movements for a person can be determined by the nature of nutrition and other individual characteristics. The use of a large amount of food containing coarse vegetable fiber, while limiting protein products, may be accompanied by two to three bowel movements per day ⁵ .

On a mixed diet, daily stools in the morning are normal. In those whose diet is dominated by refined foods, the frequency of bowel movements (up to 3 per week) and the volume of feces are simultaneously reduced. Stool frequency is not a cause for concern as long as bowel movements are not accompanied by discomfort ⁵ .

On a mixed diet, daily stools in the morning are normal. In those whose diet is dominated by refined foods, the frequency of bowel movements (up to 3 per week) and the volume of feces are simultaneously reduced. Stool frequency is not a cause for concern as long as bowel movements are not accompanied by discomfort ⁵ .

Main causes and symptoms
Main causes and symptoms

In healthy adults, ^{1, 5} can provoke stool retention:

psychogenic
causes – anxiety and depression

medication

physical inactivity

9000 8

reduction in the proportion of foods containing coarse vegetable fiber in the diet

The main symptom of constipation is the absence of voluntary defecation
for several days. Also, constipation is considered to be the need to push with the urge to defecate with soft feces, the appearance of hard fragmented stools, a significant increase in the diameter and density of the fecal cylinder, which, when separated, injures the mucous membrane of the rectum and anus, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the intestine ⁵ . There are frequent cases when a person has to help himself manually by pressing his hand
on the area of ​​the pelvic floor, removing stool with a finger ⁴ .

No matter how long constipation lasts in an adult, the absence of stool and discomfort during bowel movements may not be considered by the patient as a sufficient reason to visit a doctor
, although in fact this is not the case ^{1, 3} . It is often not customary to talk about the problem of constipation in general, and it happens that the Internet becomes the only “consultant” for the patient.

No matter how long constipation lasts in an adult, the absence of stool and discomfort during bowel movements may not be considered by the patient as a sufficient reason to visit a doctor
, although in fact this is not the case ^{1, 3} . It is often not customary to talk about the problem of constipation in general, and it happens that the Internet becomes the only “consultant” for the patient.

What to do with stool retention?
What to do with stool retention?

Consider the algorithm of actions in cases where constipation lasts for several days in a healthy adult.

The first and most important thing to do is to remember how often a bowel movement is normal and how much your own feelings have changed when trying to go to the toilet. It is worth talking about constipation
in cases where the deviation from the individual norm is
48 hours or more, and there are also characteristic symptoms (hard stools, pain during defecation, the need to push, etc.) ^{1, 4, 5} .

If problems with a chair have arisen for the first time, it is necessary, if possible, to determine the cause of the delay in the chair. If there have already been difficulties with defecation, it is better to contact a specialized gastroenterologist and undergo the necessary examination. Treatment of constipation should be comprehensive. In addition to taking laxatives, it includes recommendations for lifestyle and dietary changes ^{1, 3-5} .

Danger of stool retention
Danger of stool retention

Stretching of the smooth muscle fibers of the intestinal wall by accumulating feces, including suppression of the urge to defecate, may contribute to constipation ⁸ .

Constipation is not just stool retention
Constipation is not just stool retention

Constipation has a significant negative impact on the patient’s quality of life ^{1, 3} .

Constipation leads to unpleasant symptoms that are not directly related to the act of defecation, such as lethargy, feeling of heaviness and fullness in the abdomen, decreased mood ⁶ .

Constipation fixes patients’ attention on bowel function: they begin to pay too much attention to the quantity and quality of stools ⁶ .

Long term constipation management

Recurring bowel problems are cause for concern and action. To do this, first of all, you need to contact a doctor who will determine the cause of constipation and give the necessary recommendations, including on lifestyle modification and nutrition correction ^{1, 4, 5} :

In addition to lifestyle advice, your doctor may also prescribe laxatives ^{1, 4, 5} .

increase the amount of foods containing coarse vegetable fiber in the diet: vegetables, fruits, bran;

drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day;

increase physical activity.

One of the laxatives is Guttalax®

⁹ .

Its active ingredient, sodium picosulfate, has a dual mechanism of action: it not only promotes colon peristalsis, but also helps soften stools ⁹ . In addition, Guttalax® is available in drops, which allows you to individually select the appropriate dose of laxative ⁹ . It is also worth noting that Guttalax® is not only not addictive when taken in recommended doses, but also does not require a course of administration – it can be used one-time as needed, exactly when there is such a need ⁹ . With prolonged constipation, it is imperative to consult a doctor who will determine the cause of constipation and give recommendations, and not resort to self-medication.