Stopping Laxative-Induced Nausea

how to stop nausea from laxatives

Nausea caused by laxatives can be uncomfortable and distressing. It is often a side effect of over-the-counter laxatives, which can also cause rashes and sore throats. To stop nausea from laxatives, it is recommended to try a gentler, bulk-forming laxative, such as a fibre supplement, or a stool softener. These work by drawing water into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. However, they can take a while to provide relief, so patience is required. If nausea persists, it is important to seek advice from a healthcare professional, who can recommend alternative treatments or medications.

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How to stop nausea from laxatives Drink ginger tea, sit up straight, use anti-nausea medication, take a stool softener, sit in a quiet environment, get fresh air, eat bland foods, drink more water, eat more fibre, exercise more, reduce stress and anxiety

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Try a gentler laxative like a bulk-forming or stool-softening one

If you're experiencing nausea from constipation, you may want to try a gentler laxative like a bulk-forming or stool-softening one. These types of laxatives are generally considered the most gentle and are the least likely to cause side effects. They are also often recommended as the best first option by healthcare providers.

Bulk-forming laxatives, also known as fibre supplements, work by adding soluble fibre to your stool. This soluble fibre draws water from your body into your stool, making it bigger and softer. The increased size stimulates your colon to contract and push out the stool. Bulk-forming laxatives include psyllium (Metamucil), polycarbophil (FiberCon), and methylcellulose (Citrucel). They typically take 12 hours to three days to work, so they are not a quick fix but are a good option if you want to avoid side effects.

Stool softeners, also called emollient laxatives, increase the water and fat that your stool absorbs, making it softer. An example of a stool softener is docusate (Colace). Stool softeners can take up to a week or longer to be effective, but they are a good option for those recovering from surgery, women who have recently given birth, or individuals with haemorrhoids.

Before taking any laxatives, it's important to consult your healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant or taking other medications. Laxatives can sometimes have side effects, such as bloating, gas, and dehydration, and they can also interact with certain medications.

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Avoid mineral oil, which can cause pneumonia if inhaled

Nausea is an uncomfortable sensation of feeling like you have to vomit. Constipation is a common cause of nausea. This is because the buildup of stool in your intestines can block food in the stomach from travelling to the intestines, causing food to linger in the stomach and leading to nausea and bloating.

Laxatives are often used to treat constipation. However, it is important to note that laxatives can have side effects, including nausea, rashes, and a sore throat. If you are experiencing nausea from constipation, it is recommended to first treat the constipation itself. Over-the-counter treatments such as Pepto Bismol or Gaviscon can be used to treat nausea.

If you are using laxatives to treat constipation, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects of the specific type of laxative you are using. For example, mineral oil laxatives are a common cause of lipoid pneumonia, a rare lung disease caused by fat collection in the lungs. This type of pneumonia can occur when mineral oil is inhaled and the oil particles gather in the lungs. This can cause inflammation and the alveoli, the air sacs in the lungs, to fill with fluid and pus. This condition can be acute, or sudden and severe, or long-term with ongoing exposure to mineral oil. Therefore, it is important to avoid mineral oil, as inhaling it can lead to pneumonia.

If you are experiencing nausea due to constipation, it is recommended to make some lifestyle changes to help prevent constipation. This includes being physically active regularly, consuming more fiber, going to the bathroom when you feel the urge, and training your bowels to be regular. Eating bland foods, such as crackers or baked chicken, and foods with a high water content, like popsicles, can also help with nausea and vomiting.

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Avoid sorbitol, which can cause gas and bloating

Sorbitol is a polyalcohol sugar commonly used as a sweetener in sugar-free products. It is broken down very slowly by the body, which means it stays in the system longer than most other foods. This slow breakdown can cause bloating due to gas-producing bacteria in the intestines.

Sorbitol intolerance can cause gastrointestinal distress, including gas and bloating, and in larger amounts, cramps and diarrhea. As little as 5 grams of sorbitol can cause a significant increase in breath hydrogen concentration, and 10 grams can lead to mild gastrointestinal distress.

Sorbitol is found in many sugar-free snacks, gum, and candies. Some fruits, including apples, pears, peaches, and prunes, also contain sorbitol. Consuming these products can lead to bloating and gas, so it is best to avoid them if you are trying to prevent or reduce these issues.

It is important to note that while sorbitol can cause gas and bloating, it is not the only culprit. Other high-FODMAP foods, such as bran, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and Brussels sprouts, are also known to cause gas. Additionally, starchy vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn can create gas as they break down in the GI tract. Carbonated drinks, fried or fatty foods, and dairy products can also contribute to gas and bloating.

If you are experiencing gas and bloating, it is advisable to identify and avoid specific triggers and incorporate gut-friendly foods into your diet. Probiotic-rich foods can promote digestive health and reduce gas-producing bacteria. Prebiotics, found in fiber-rich plant foods, can also help by nourishing the good bacteria in the GI tract.

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Avoid magnesium-based laxatives, which can be dangerous if used long-term

Magnesium-based laxatives are not recommended for long-term use as they can be dangerous. When used in combination with an underperforming kidney or heart failure, saline osmotic laxatives can be dangerous.

Magnesium-based laxatives, such as milk of magnesia or magnesium citrate, are members of a larger class of laxatives called saline osmotics. These laxatives draw water into the bowels and trigger bowel movements. However, they can be dangerous if used long-term or in combination with an underperforming kidney or heart failure.

Magnesium is a mineral that is important for normal bone structure in the body. People get magnesium from their diet, but sometimes magnesium supplements are needed if magnesium levels are too low. Low magnesium levels in the body have been linked to diseases such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, clogged arteries, hereditary heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Magnesium is required for the proper growth and maintenance of bones. It is also required for the proper function of nerves, muscles, and many other parts of the body. In the stomach, magnesium helps neutralize stomach acid and moves stools through the intestine.

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Consult a doctor if you're constantly needing to take laxatives

If you find yourself constantly needing to take laxatives, it's important to consult a doctor. While laxatives can be a safe and effective way to relieve constipation, they are typically recommended for occasional use only, and not as a long-term solution.

Chronic constipation can be a symptom of an underlying health issue, and a doctor will be able to advise on a course of treatment that addresses the root cause. They may recommend lifestyle changes, such as increasing your daily fibre and fluid intake, as well as regular exercise. They can also advise on a plan of medication that doesn't include over-the-counter laxatives.

Additionally, if you are taking laxatives frequently, you may be at risk of laxative dependency. Overuse of laxatives can lead to the intestines losing muscle and nerve response, which means you may become dependent on them to have a bowel movement. A doctor will be able to advise on how to restore your colon's ability to contract and have normal bowel movements without the use of laxatives.

It's important to be cautious when using laxatives, as they can have side effects and interact with other medications. They should be used sparingly and only as directed. If you are experiencing unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, it's a good idea to consult a doctor. They may be able to recommend an alternative treatment or advise on adjustments to your dosage or routine that can help alleviate these side effects.

In summary, while laxatives can provide short-term relief from constipation, they are not a long-term solution. If you find yourself relying on them frequently, it's important to consult a doctor to address the underlying causes and explore alternative treatments to improve your digestive health.

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Frequently asked questions

Nausea is a common side effect of laxatives. To stop nausea from laxatives, it is recommended to take the gentlest and safest option, such as a bulk-forming laxative. If you are constantly needing to take laxatives, it is best to consult a doctor.

Over-the-counter treatments such as Pepto Bismol or Gaviscon can help relieve nausea.

Some home remedies to relieve nausea include drinking ginger tea, sitting up straight, applying a heating pad to your stomach, and using a cool compress on the back of your neck.

If you experience persistent nausea over a week or a month, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Additionally, if nausea is accompanied by other symptoms such as an inability to keep food or liquids down, severe abdominal pain, bloody stools, or no bowel movements in three days, seek immediate medical attention.

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