
Constipation is a common problem for people with a stoma. Laxatives can help you empty your bowels if you are constipated, but they can also be dangerous, especially for those with an ileostomy, as they may cause a rapid loss of water and electrolytes. If you have a colostomy and are suffering from severe constipation, a mild laxative may be recommended as a last resort, but it is important to consult a healthcare professional first.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Can I take a mild laxative with a colostomy? | In some cases, yes. It is advised to first try to increase fluid intake and dietary fibre. 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 can be tried, but this should be used with caution. |
What should I do before taking a laxative? | Before taking a laxative, you need to be sure that you are constipated. Normal bowel movements vary from person to person. If you have a blocked bowel or constipation and vomiting, don't take laxatives without checking with your doctor or nurse first. |
What are the side effects of laxatives? | Laxatives can cause a rapid loss of water and electrolytes. They can also cause stomach cramps and wind. Large doses can cause diarrhoea. |
What are some alternatives to laxatives? | Some alternatives to laxatives include increasing fluid intake, increasing fibre consumption, and making diet and lifestyle changes. |
What You'll Learn
- Laxatives can be dangerous for ostomates, causing a rapid loss of water and electrolytes
- Laxatives are not recommended for those with an ileostomy
- Colostomy patients should first try to increase fluid intake and dietary fibre
- Bulk-forming laxatives can be used if increasing fluid and fibre intake has little effect
- Stimulant laxatives should be used with caution
Laxatives can be dangerous for ostomates, causing a rapid loss of water and electrolytes
Constipation is a common problem for people with a stoma. It can be a mild, occasional hindrance or a more regular, severe issue. Blockages on the stoma can be uncomfortable and even painful, so it's important to know how to treat and prevent constipation.
Laxatives can be dangerous for people with a stoma as they may cause a rapid loss of water and electrolytes. This can be especially harmful if you have an ileostomy. In rare cases, and only under medical supervision, those with a colostomy experiencing severe constipation may be recommended a mild laxative as a last resort.
Laxatives should only be considered once other methods of treating constipation have been attempted. The first step for treating constipation for those with a stoma is to increase fluid intake and dietary fibre, eating foods such as wholemeal bread and pasta, as well as more fruit and vegetables. If constipation persists, speak to a stoma care nurse or healthcare professional.
It's important to be sure that you are constipated before considering laxatives. Normal bowel movements vary from person to person. If you have a blocked bowel or are experiencing constipation and vomiting, do not take laxatives without first checking with your doctor or nurse. These can be signs of a blocked bowel, and laxatives can cause harm in this case.
Diabetics and Epsom Salt Laxatives: Safe?
You may want to see also
Laxatives are not recommended for those with an ileostomy
If you have an ileostomy, your body may not be able to completely absorb some medications. This is due to the shortening of the bowel, which can result in slower absorption of medications or absorption in a lower portion of the intestines. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional or a stoma care nurse before taking any laxatives. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action to treat constipation and ensure your safety.
To prevent constipation, it is recommended to maintain a well-balanced diet rich in fiber and hydration. Eating wholemeal bread and pasta, as well as incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet, can help prevent constipation. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids is essential.
If constipation persists despite dietary and lifestyle changes, it is advised to consult a healthcare professional or a stoma care nurse for further guidance. They may recommend alternative treatments or provide specific instructions tailored to your situation.
It is important to note that laxatives should only be used as a last resort for those with a colostomy and severe constipation. Even in these cases, it is crucial to exercise caution and seek professional advice before taking any laxatives.
Laxatives: Weight Loss Myth
You may want to see also
Colostomy patients should first try to increase fluid intake and dietary fibre
For colostomy patients, the first step to alleviating constipation is to increase fluid intake and dietary fibre. This is because constipation can be caused by not drinking enough fluids and a poor, unbalanced, or unvaried diet, particularly a lack of fibre.
Colostomy patients should drink 6-8 cups of fluid a day, or 8-10 (8-ounce) glasses (about 2 litres) of liquids. Fluids high in salt such as Bovril or sports drinks are recommended as they replace lost salt and glucose. Dehydration can be dangerous, and signs of dehydration include palpitations, confusion, sluggishness, and fainting.
In terms of dietary fibre, colostomy patients should eat wholemeal bread and pasta, as well as more fruit and vegetables. Fibre-rich cereals such as Weetabix and porridge are also recommended. Patients should try new foods in small amounts and gradually increase their portion size. It may be easier to have small regular meals and snacks throughout the day, rather than three large meals.
Chia Seeds: Natural Laxative?
You may want to see also
Bulk-forming laxatives can be used if increasing fluid and fibre intake has little effect
Constipation is a common problem for people with a stoma, and it can be a mild hindrance or a regular occurrence. If you are suffering from constipation, you will likely want to treat it and find relief. The first step is to increase fluid intake and dietary fibre, eating foods such as wholemeal bread and pasta, as well as more fruit and vegetables. If this does not help, you may want to consider a mild laxative, but only after consulting with your stoma care nurse or a healthcare professional.
Bulk-forming laxatives work by absorbing liquid in the intestines, creating a softer, more liquid-like stool that is easier to pass. They typically take 12 hours to three days to work. Common bulk-forming laxatives include psyllium (Metamucil), polycarbophil (FiberCon), and methylcellulose (Citrucel). They are available over the counter and should be taken as directed to prevent side effects. It is important to drink plenty of fluids when taking bulk-forming laxatives to prevent dehydration and potential bowel obstruction.
If you are considering taking bulk-forming laxatives, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you have difficulty swallowing, kidney disease, or diabetes, as these can increase the risk of side effects. Laxatives may also impact how your body absorbs medications, so it is important to leave at least two hours between taking any medication and a laxative.
Breaking Laxatives: Safe or Not?
You may want to see also
Stimulant laxatives should be used with caution
Constipation is a common problem for people with a stoma. For those with a colostomy, laxatives should only be considered as a last resort. Before taking laxatives, it is important to be sure that you are constipated, as normal bowel movements vary from person to person.
If you have a colostomy and are experiencing constipation, it is recommended that you first try to increase your fluid intake and dietary fibre. 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.
If you are suffering from constipation, it is important to consult with your stoma care nurse or a healthcare professional before taking any laxatives. They can advise you on the best course of treatment and help you manage your symptoms.
Relieving Constipation: Natural Approaches
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Constipation is a common problem for people with a stoma. While laxatives can help you empty your bowels if you are constipated, they can be dangerous for ostomates as they may cause a rapid loss of water and electrolytes. If you have a colostomy and are suffering from severe constipation, a mild laxative may be recommended as a last resort, but only after consultation with your stoma care nurse or a healthcare professional.
Before taking laxatives, it is recommended that people with a colostomy first try to increase their fluid intake and dietary fibre. Common advice includes eating more fibre-rich foods, such as wholemeal pasta and bread, porridge, fresh fruit and vegetables, and drinking plenty of fluids.
Laxatives can cause a rapid loss of water and electrolytes, leading to dehydration. They can also interact with other medications and cause side effects such as stomach cramps and wind. Large doses can cause diarrhoea.
There are several types of laxatives, including bulk-forming laxatives (e.g. ispaghula husk), lubricant laxatives (e.g. mineral oil), osmotic agents (e.g. milk of magnesia, phospho soda) and stimulant laxatives (e.g. senna, cascara, and castor oil).