Do you have to strain for a long time when you go to the toilet? Is it very difficult and painful to pass stool? Or do you feel like your bowels have not completely emptied? This is the condition called ' constipation ' that many of us suffer from. As a solution to this, many people are tempted to use laxatives. But if you do not know how to use these properly and do not use them correctly, the problems can worsen.
What exactly is constipation?
Simply put, constipation is difficulty passing stool. It has several main symptoms:
- Having to strain a lot when defecating.
- Stools that are very dry and hard like rocks .
- Defecation less than three times a week.
- Feeling like your stomach is not completely empty even after you have passed stool.
But before we take medication, we can make big changes to our lifestyle. Eating a diet rich in fiber, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains , drinking plenty of water (at least 8 glasses of water a day), and getting some exercise can often help control this problem. Water doesn't have to be just water, it can also include liquids like tea and soup.
But sometimes these things aren't enough. That's when a doctor will prescribe a laxative . So let's take a look at what these are, how they work, and how to use them safely.
What are the types of laxatives?
These medications come in the form of pills, capsules, liquids to take, suppositories to insert into the rectum, and enemas. Each type has its own benefits and side effects . Using a suppository may seem more difficult than swallowing a pill, but these methods often provide quick relief .
Let's now look at the main types of laxatives.
| Type of laxative | How it works and examples |
|---|---|
| Bulking Agents/Fiber | These act like a sponge by absorbing water in the intestines and increasing the volume of stool, making it easier to pass. Examples: Psyllium, Methylcellulose. |
| Lubricant Laxatives | These make the stool slippery. Things like mineral oil stick to the walls of the intestines and stop the stool from drying out. |
| Stool Softeners | These help to absorb water into the stool and soften it. They are very suitable for people with hemorrhoids and after surgery because they reduce constipation. Example: Medicines containing docusate. |
| Osmotic Laxatives | These draw water from the surrounding tissues into the intestines. This makes the stool loose and easier to pass. Examples: Milk of Magnesia, Lactulose, Polyethylene glycol. |
| Stimulant Laxatives | These stimulate the intestinal walls and speed up the passage of stool. These are used if immediate relief is needed. Examples: Medicines containing Senna and Bisacodyl. |
A little more about fiber types
This is often the first type of fiber that doctors recommend. We naturally get fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. There are also fiber supplements that you can buy from pharmacies. But remember, you must drink plenty of water when taking these . Otherwise, you may experience increased gas and bloating. Don't add a lot of fiber to your diet all at once, start slowly. Also, if you are taking other medications, take the other medications one hour before or two hours after taking the fiber supplement. This is because fiber can reduce the absorption of some medications into the body.
A special warning about stimulant laxatives
Imagine you are in a really bad mood and need quick relief. Then these stimulants come to the rescue. But here's the most important thing: Don't use this type daily or for a long time!
Why do you say that? Imagine that someone helps a lazy child every day. After a while, that child becomes even more lazy to do things alone. Similarly, when our intestines get used to this medicine, the body's natural ability to defecate can be weakened. This is called laxative dependency. After that, you may even be unable to defecate without this medicine. Therefore, these should be used only in emergencies, but only after consulting your doctor .
Prescription Laxatives
Sometimes, doctors prescribe special medications for people with chronic constipation that cannot be controlled with regular laxatives. For example, there are medications like Linaclotide and Lubiprostone. These draw water into the intestines and speed up the passage of stool. These medications should only be taken under medical advice.
Things to be careful about when using laxatives
If you use a laxative for occasional constipation, keep these things in mind:
- Try fiber supplements first: If you have frequent constipation, try a fiber supplement first, rather than resorting to stimulants.
- Drink plenty of water: When using any type of laxative, it is very important to keep your body hydrated . Drink plenty of fluids .
- Don't use stimulants too often: As we discussed earlier, these can lead to dependence in the body. Also, some stimulants can interfere with the body's absorption of vitamin D and calcium.
- If the problem persists, see a doctor: Sometimes constipation can be a symptom of another serious condition. For example, constipation can occur in conditions such as colon cancer, diabetes, or hypothyroidism.
Therefore, if your problem persists, rather than trying different medications on your own, be sure to see your family doctor . He or she will examine you, run tests if necessary, and determine the exact cause and the best solution for you.
Take-Home Message
- We need to look for solutions to constipation in our lifestyle first. Eating a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of water, and exercising are the best first steps.
- There are many types of laxatives. Not all types are suitable for everyone.
- Avoid long-term use of stimulant laxatives (quick-relief laxatives ). They can harm the body's natural processes.
- It is essential to drink plenty of water when using any laxative.
- If your constipation lasts for weeks, you lose weight, or you have blood in your stool, see your doctor immediately.
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