Ostomy And Laxatives: Safe?

People with a stoma can become constipated, which can be uncomfortable and even painful. Laxatives can help with constipation, but they can be dangerous for people with a stoma as they may cause a rapid loss of water and electrolytes. Laxatives are not recommended for those with an ileostomy. In rare cases, a person with a colostomy and severe constipation may be recommended a mild laxative, but this should be used with caution and only after consulting a healthcare professional.

Laxatives can be dangerous for ostomates, causing a rapid loss of water and electrolytes

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They work by softening stools or stimulating the bowels to move, making it easier to pass stools. While laxatives are available over the counter, they are not suitable for everyone. For instance, laxatives are not recommended for children unless advised by a doctor.

The use of laxatives can lead to dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance, which can be dangerous for ostomates. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in, resulting in symptoms such as feeling weak and lightheaded, and having darker-than-normal urine. An electrolyte imbalance, on the other hand, refers to an imbalance of water and salt in the body, which can be life-threatening.

In general, ostomates are advised to avoid laxatives and instead focus on increasing their fluid intake and dietary fibre. Eating fibre-rich foods such as wholemeal bread and pasta, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, can help prevent constipation. Additionally, staying hydrated is crucial to maintaining regular bowel movements. If constipation persists despite these measures, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for advice.

Colostomy patients may be recommended a mild laxative as a last resort

Laxatives can be dangerous for ostomy patients as they may cause a rapid loss of water and electrolytes. However, as a last resort, those with a colostomy and severe constipation may be recommended a mild laxative to be used with caution.

Colostomy patients should first try to increase their fluid intake and dietary fibre, eating foods such as wholemeal bread and pasta, as well as more fruit and vegetables. If this has little to no effect, a bulk-forming laxative can be used. If this too has little effect, a small dose of a stimulant laxative, such as senna, can be tried. However, this should be used with caution.

Laxatives should be avoided by those who have an ileostomy. Before taking any laxatives, colostomy patients should consult their stoma care nurse or a healthcare professional.

Laxatives work by swelling up inside the bowel and helping to soften the stool. This encourages the bowels to move and push the stool out. This type of laxative can take a few days to work properly.

It is important to drink plenty of fluids if taking bulk-forming or osmotic laxatives, as they can cause dehydration.

Laxatives should be used with caution in ileostomates due to the potential for severe dehydration and electrolyte loss

Laxatives can be dangerous for people with stomas, as they may cause a rapid loss of water and electrolytes. This is especially true for people with ileostomies, for whom laxatives are not recommended. For those with colostomies and severe constipation, a mild laxative may be recommended as a last resort, but only after consultation with a stoma care nurse or healthcare professional.

For ileostomates, the risk of dehydration and electrolyte loss is heightened due to the nature of their stoma. An ileostomy is an opening in the small intestine (ileum) that is brought out to the surface of the abdomen, bypassing or removing the large intestine. This means that the body has less time and surface area to absorb water and electrolytes, increasing the risk of dehydration and electrolyte loss. Additionally, people with ileostomies may already have difficulty absorbing drugs and maintaining adequate hydration due to the reduced length of the bowel available for absorption.

The use of laxatives in ileostomates can further exacerbate the risk of dehydration and electrolyte loss. Laxatives work by drawing water into the intestines to soften the stool and stimulate bowel movements. In an ileostomate, where the large intestine is bypassed or removed, the water drawn into the intestines by laxatives is more likely to be lost through the stoma, leading to dehydration. Additionally, the rapid loss of water can also result in the rapid loss of electrolytes, as they are dissolved in the body's fluids.

To prevent dehydration and electrolyte loss, it is crucial for ileostomates to maintain adequate fluid and electrolyte intake. Oral rehydration solutions, such as St. Mark's solution or double-strength Dioralyte, can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes. It is also important to monitor for signs and symptoms of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, such as decreased urine output, dizziness, muscle cramps, and fatigue. If these occur, it is important to seek medical advice.

Bulk-forming laxatives are preferable for colostomates

Constipation is a common problem for people with a stoma. Laxatives can be dangerous for ostomates as they may cause a rapid loss of water and electrolytes. However, in rare cases, a colostomy patient with severe constipation may be recommended a mild laxative, but only as a last resort.

Bulk-forming laxatives absorb liquid in the intestines, creating a bulky, more liquid-like stool that is softer and easier to pass. Common bulk-forming laxatives include psyllium (Metamucil), polycarbophil (FiberCon), and methylcellulose (Citrucel). They are generally safe for healthy people, but side effects or drug interactions may occur. For example, people with kidney disease or diabetes are at risk of electrolyte imbalances when taking laxatives.

It is important to take bulk-forming laxatives with at least 8 ounces of water or fruit juice to prevent bowel obstruction. A second glass of water or juice may help prevent additional side effects. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label and stay well-hydrated during the day. You should begin to feel relief within 12 hours to 3 days.

Laxatives should not be taken without first consulting a doctor or nurse

Laxatives can be dangerous for people with a stoma, as they may cause a rapid loss of water and electrolytes. Therefore, laxatives are not recommended for those with an ileostomy.

If you have a colostomy and are suffering from severe constipation, a mild laxative may be recommended as a last resort. However, it is strongly advised that you consult with your stoma care nurse or a healthcare professional before taking any laxatives. They will be able to advise on the best course of treatment for you.

It is important to remember that constipation is a common problem for people with a stoma, and there are other ways to treat and prevent it. For example, increasing fluid intake and dietary fibre can help alleviate constipation. Eating more fibre-rich foods, such as wholemeal pasta, bread, porridge, fresh fruits, and vegetables can be beneficial.

In addition, maintaining adequate hydration is crucial, even for those with a high-output stoma. Drinking oral rehydration solutions like St. Mark's solution or double-strength Dioralyte can help prevent dehydration and maintain fluid and salt balance.

Before taking any laxatives, it is essential to consult with a doctor or nurse to ensure your safety and well-being. They can help determine the underlying cause of your constipation and recommend the most suitable treatment option for your specific situation.

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