What Are the Pros and Cons of Using a Laxative For Constipation?

Abuse of laxatives can also cause constipation. Although laxatives can treat constipation and help defecate, if used for a long time, the intestinal tract will become dependent on laxatives, weaken its autonomous movement, and damage the enteric nervous system, resulting in constipation. As a result of laxative abuse, constipation is made worse.

Laxative constipation

Abuse of laxatives can also cause constipation. Although laxatives can treat constipation and help defecate, if used for a long time, the intestinal tract will become dependent on laxatives, weaken its autonomous movement, and damage the enteric nervous system, resulting in constipation. As a result of laxative abuse, constipation is made worse.

Chinese name

Laxative constipation ^[1]

The main mechanism is the long-term use of laxatives, which damages the smooth muscle nerve cells of the colon, which causes the colon's responsiveness to the intestinal contents to decrease, and causes colonic motor dysfunction. The occurrence of constipation is usually reduced by the frequency of defecation. Defecation occurs once every 3 days or more (or 3 times a week). However, the detailed pathological mechanism has not been studied clearly. ^[1]

For chronic habitual constipation, do not rely on laxatives for a long time, so as not to cause habituation, and long-term application can also cause rash, or allergic reactions, and enteritis, dermatitis and bleeding tendency. Some long-term use can prevent the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and fat-soluble vitamins. Some are prone to cause gastrointestinal dysfunction, which may cause gastritis, gastrointestinal symptoms, and anemia. In particular, anthraquinone laxatives, such as senna, rhubarb, cassia seeds, aloe vera, fruit guide tablets, etc., can cause colon melanosis, and the anthraquinone laxative caused by colon melanosis is more consistent. Precancerous lesions, unless there are indications, generally do not use such laxatives, it should be used short-term, intermittent administration. Stimulant laxatives can cause severe colic, and long-term use can cause electrolyte disturbances and acid-base balance disorders. When used regularly for many years, it can cause a laxative colon. Because it is difficult to identify, it is often diagnosed as refractory constipation. More laxatives are used, and even other improper treatments are applied. Therefore, laxatives cannot be used for a long time. ^[1]

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Develop good bowel habits ^[1]

Everyone has a variety of habits, and bowel movements are no exception. It is necessary to defecate at a certain time. If you often delay bowel movements and destroy good bowel habits, you can weaken bowel reflexes and cause constipation, so do not artificially control the feeling of bowel movements. For those who are prone to constipation often, we must pay attention to arranging the stool at a reasonable time, go to the toilet every time, and develop a good bowel habit. ^[1]

Activities, activities, bowel movements. Walking, running, doing deep breathing exercises, practicing qigong, Taijiquan, turning the waist and raising legs, participating in cultural and physical activities and physical labor can strengthen gastrointestinal activities, increase appetite, and exercise the diaphragm, abdominal, and anal muscles; improve the power of defecation To prevent constipation. Rural old people who often work rarely have constipation, but urban lazy people who are lazy in activities and respected and treated well are more exemplified.

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