
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and rectum that can be painful and irritating. Laxatives are a common treatment for hemorrhoids as they help to achieve a more regular bowel movement and prevent the condition from worsening. However, laxatives can also be habit-forming and may worsen constipation if overused.
Laxatives can be taken orally or inserted into the rectum. They work by forcing the stool to come out, which can cause the veins in the rectum and anus to bruise and swell, making them vulnerable to infection and inflammation. This is why it is recommended to only use laxatives as a last resort, after attempting to relieve constipation through lifestyle changes such as increasing fibre intake and drinking plenty of fluids.
If you do decide to take a laxative for your hemorrhoids, bulk-forming laxatives and stool softeners are considered the safest options. Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, absorb water into the stool to form a softer and bulkier stool that is easier to eliminate. Stool softeners, on the other hand, work by increasing the moisture content of the stool to make it softer, thus preventing straining in the toilet. Stimulant laxatives, which cause the intestinal muscles to contract and facilitate bowel movement, should be avoided as they can damage the lining of the intestines if used frequently.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Can hemorrhoid cream act as a laxative? | No clear evidence. |
Are hemorrhoids and constipation related? | Yes. Constipation is one of the leading symptoms of hemorrhoids. |
How do laxatives help with constipation? | Laxatives help achieve more regular bowel movements and prevent hemorrhoids from worsening. |
Are there any side effects of laxatives? | Laxatives can be habit-forming and may worsen constipation instead of curing it. They can also cause veins in the rectum and anus to bruise and swell, making them vulnerable to infection and inflammation. |
What are some alternatives to laxatives? | Loading up on fiber-rich food and drinking plenty of liquids usually help clear up the problem. |
What are some other ways to treat hemorrhoids? | Over-the-counter treatments, such as suppositories, ointments, and creams, can help ease the pain and reduce the swelling of hemorrhoids. |
What You'll Learn
Laxatives can be habit-forming and may worsen constipation
Laxatives are habit-forming and can worsen constipation if used too frequently. They force the stool out, and when consumed often, they can cause the veins of the rectum and anus to bruise and swell, making them vulnerable to infection and inflammation. Regular use can lead to dependency, making it difficult to defecate without a laxative.
Laxatives should be used as a last resort, only after attempting to address constipation through lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake and fluid consumption. If these measures fail, laxatives can be considered, but it is important to choose the right type. Bulk-forming laxatives, for example, are generally considered the gentlest option and are often recommended as a first choice. They work by absorbing water into the stool, making it softer and bulkier, thus easier to eliminate. Stool softeners are also recommended for hemorrhoid patients as they do not directly stimulate bowel movements but help prevent straining.
On the other hand, stimulant laxatives, such as senna, can damage the lining of the intestines if used too frequently. They work by stimulating contractions in the bowels to push the stool along, but overuse can lead to dependency, with the bowel potentially stopping normal functioning. Therefore, it is important to follow the instructions on the medication and not exceed the recommended dosage. If constipation persists or worsens, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for advice and alternative treatment options.
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Laxatives can cause bruising and swelling in the rectum and anus
Therefore, laxatives should only be used as a last resort, and only if one has already tried to make some lifestyle changes to relieve constipation. These lifestyle changes include increasing one's intake of fiber-rich food and drinking plenty of liquids. If these measures have failed, then laxatives can be considered as the next recourse.
It is also important to choose the right kind of laxative. Bulk-forming laxatives and stool softeners are the safest to use and are the most effective in treating constipation. Bulk-forming laxatives absorb water into the stool to form a softer and bulkier stool, which is easier to eliminate. Stool softeners, on the other hand, increase the moisture content of the stool to make it softer, thereby preventing straining in the toilet.
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Laxatives should be used as a last resort
Laxatives are a common treatment for constipation, which is one of the leading symptoms of haemorrhoids. However, they should be used as a last resort, and only if lifestyle changes have failed to provide relief.
Laxatives are habit-forming and can create a dependency, which may worsen constipation. They work by forcing the stool out, and frequent consumption may cause the veins of the rectum and anus to bruise and swell, making them vulnerable to infection and inflammation. Regular use can also cause a loss of muscle tone in the colon, preventing it from helping you pass stool. Therefore, laxatives should only be used if you've already tried to address the constipation through lifestyle changes, such as increasing your intake of fibre-rich foods and fluids.
If you do decide to use laxatives, it's important to choose the right kind. Bulk-forming laxatives, for example, are generally considered the gentlest option and are often recommended as a first course of treatment. They work by adding soluble fibre to your stool, drawing water from your body and making it softer and easier to pass. Stool softeners are another good option, as they don't directly stimulate bowel movements, preventing straining in the toilet.
However, stimulant laxatives, which force the colon into motion, should be avoided as they can worsen haemorrhoids. If you're unsure about which laxative to use, it's best to consult a doctor or pharmacist.
It's also important to follow the instructions on the medicine to prevent side effects and reduce the risk of overdose. Laxatives should only be taken occasionally and for up to a week at a time. If your constipation hasn't improved after a week of using laxatives, stop taking them and speak to a doctor.
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Laxatives can be taken orally or inserted into the rectum
Laxatives are available in many forms and can be taken orally or inserted into the rectum. Oral laxatives can be in the form of liquids, tablets, capsules, or powders that dissolve in water. Rectal laxatives are administered via the back passage (rectum) and include suppositories and enemas. Suppositories are pellet-shaped laxatives inserted into the rectum via the anus, while enemas are liquids inserted into the rectum and lower bowel.
Oral laxatives are generally preferred, and the choice depends on factors such as the patient's preference, constipation symptoms, severity, possible side effects, and cost. Bulk-forming laxatives are usually tried first, followed by osmotic laxatives if stools remain hard. Stool softeners may be added if stools are soft but still difficult to pass. Stimulant laxatives are an option if other over-the-counter types have been ineffective.
Oral laxatives typically take longer to work than rectal laxatives. Bulk-forming laxatives may take 12-24 hours to have an effect, with full results in 2-3 days. Osmotic laxatives can take 2-3 days to work. Stimulant laxatives usually work within 6-12 hours, with a bedtime dose recommended. Stool softeners generally work within 12 to 72 hours. Rectal laxatives, on the other hand, work much faster, typically within 15-30 minutes.
It is important to drink plenty of fluids when taking any type of laxative to avoid dehydration and potential blockage in the gut. Additionally, one should not take more laxative than recommended, as this can lead to diarrhoea and salt loss from the body.
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Laxatives can create dependency and damage the colon lining
Laxatives are often used to treat constipation, a common symptom of haemorrhoids. However, laxatives can create dependency and cause other issues, such as damage to the colon lining.
Laxative dependency can develop when individuals become reliant on laxatives to have a bowel movement. This can occur when the bowel stops functioning normally due to frequent laxative use. As a result, individuals may find it difficult to have a bowel movement without the use of laxatives. To prevent dependency, it is recommended to only use laxatives as a last resort after trying lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake and fluid consumption.
Chronic use of stimulant laxatives, such as senna, can also cause structural damage to the surface epithelial cells in the colon. This damage may not have a significant functional impact, but it can lead to changes in the colon lining. Anthranoid laxatives, in particular, can cause cell death in the intestinal lining, resulting in the development of melanosis coli or pseudomelanosis coli. This condition is characterised by the deposition of dark pigment in the colon lining, resulting in a dark brown or black discoloration. While melanosis coli does not typically cause symptoms, it can be observed during endoscopic procedures or microscopic evaluation of biopsies. Discontinuation of laxative use can lead to a lessening or disappearance of these changes.
Additionally, frequent consumption of laxatives may cause bruising and swelling of the veins in the rectum and anus, making them vulnerable to infection and inflammation. Therefore, it is important to use laxatives with caution and only as directed. Bulk-forming laxatives and stool softeners are generally considered safer options for treating constipation and haemorrhoids. These types of laxatives work by softening the stool and making it easier to pass without stimulating contractions in the colon.
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Frequently asked questions
Over-the-counter (OTC) products, creams, and lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber intake and drinking plenty of water to prevent constipation, can successfully treat many hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid creams do not act as laxatives. They are applied topically to the affected area to provide relief from itching and burning.
Examples of hemorrhoid creams include Motherlove Rhoid Balm, Preparation H Rapid Relief Hemorrhoid Cream, and Doctor Butler's Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment.
Natural alternatives to hemorrhoid creams include witch hazel, a natural anti-inflammatory agent, and a sitz bath, which is a small plastic tub that fits over the toilet seat and allows you to soak the inflamed area in warm water.
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