Understanding Bowel Laxation: How To Stimulate Bowel Movement

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation and increase bowel movements. They work by either softening stools or stimulating the bowels to get moving. They are available in various forms, including liquids, tablets, capsules, suppositories, and enemas, and can be bought over the counter or with a prescription. While laxatives can provide relief from constipation, they should be used sparingly and occasionally, as prolonged or excessive use can lead to health complications such as dehydration, intestinal obstruction, and electrolyte imbalances.

Laxatives treat constipation by softening stools or stimulating the bowels

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They work by either softening stools or stimulating the bowels to get moving so you can pass them. Constipation occurs when stools become hard, making them difficult or painful to pass.

There are several types of laxatives available, and they differ in their mechanisms of action, onset of action, and side effects. Here is a detailed description of how laxatives work to treat constipation by softening stools or stimulating the bowels:

Bulk-Forming Laxatives

Bulk-forming laxatives, also known as fiber supplements, increase the bulk or weight of stools. They achieve this by drawing water into the stools, making them softer and easier to pass. This increase in bulk stimulates the colon to contract and push the stool out. Examples of bulk-forming laxatives include psyllium (Metamucil), polycarbophil (FiberCon), and methylcellulose (Citrucel). These laxatives are generally considered gentle and are often recommended as a first-line treatment for constipation. They usually take 12 to 72 hours to start working.

Osmotic Laxatives

Osmotic laxatives, including polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX) and magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia), work by drawing water from other parts of the body into the colon. This increased water collection softens the stool, making it easier to pass. They usually take 2 to 3 days to start working.

Stool Softener Laxatives

Stool softeners, also known as emollient laxatives, work by increasing the water and fat content in the stool, making it softer. An example of a stool softener is docusate (Colace). These laxatives typically work within 12 to 72 hours.

Lubricant Laxatives

Lubricant laxatives, such as mineral oil, coat the colon with a slick layer, preventing water absorption from the stool, keeping it soft, and making it easier to pass. They also increase the weight of the stool and reduce intestinal transit time. Lubricant laxatives usually take effect within 6 to 8 hours.

Stimulant Laxatives

Stimulant laxatives, such as bisacodyl (Dulcolax) and senna (Senokot), activate the nerves controlling the muscles in the colon. They stimulate the colon to move the stool along. These laxatives are often used when other types have not provided sufficient relief. Stimulant laxatives usually take effect within 6 to 12 hours.

It is important to note that laxatives should be used as directed to prevent side effects such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. They are typically recommended for occasional use and short periods, and lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake, drinking more fluids, and exercising, are often the first line of defence against constipation.

They are available over the counter or by prescription

To laxate the bowel means to treat constipation by softening hard stools or stimulating the bowels to get moving. Laxatives are available over the counter or by prescription.

Most laxatives are available over the counter and without a prescription. They are available in pharmacies, grocery stores, and online. They may be labelled as laxatives, stool softeners, or fibre supplements.

Over-the-counter laxatives are available in various forms, including liquids, tablets, capsules, suppositories, and enemas. They can be taken by mouth or rectally. However, it is important to carefully read the instructions before taking laxatives and not to exceed the recommended dosage. Overuse of laxatives can lead to health complications such as dehydration, mineral imbalances, organ damage, and laxative dependency.

Some laxatives are available only by prescription, typically for chronic constipation or when over-the-counter options are not effective. Prescription laxatives are often needed for individuals with long-term conditions that cause constipation, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or opioid use. Examples of prescription laxatives include lactulose, linaclotide, lubiprostone, and prucalopride.

It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking laxatives, especially for those with gastrointestinal conditions or other medications.

They can be taken orally or rectally

Laxatives are substances that loosen stools and increase bowel movements to treat and prevent constipation. They can be taken orally or rectally. Oral laxatives are available in the form of liquids, tablets, capsules, and powders that can be mixed with water or other liquids. Rectal laxatives, on the other hand, are available as suppositories or enemas.

Oral laxatives are typically taken by mouth in the form of pills, capsules, or liquids. They can also be in powder form, which can be mixed with water or other liquids before consumption. Oral laxatives work by increasing the bulk or weight of the stool, making it easier to pass. They can also soften the stool by increasing its water content. Oral laxatives usually take longer to work, ranging from 12 hours to a few days, depending on the type of laxative.

Rectal laxatives, on the other hand, are administered directly into the rectum. They include suppositories, which are small dissolvable capsules, and enemas, which are small squeezable tubes. Rectal laxatives are often used for more immediate relief from constipation, as they can work within minutes to an hour. However, they also carry a higher risk of side effects, such as diarrhoea and stomach cramps.

It is important to follow the instructions when taking laxatives to ensure their effectiveness and reduce the risk of side effects. Laxatives should be taken occasionally and for short periods, and it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before their use, especially for individuals with certain health conditions or those taking other medications.

Laxatives can cause side effects like bloating, gas, and stomach cramps

To laxate the bowel means to take a laxative, which is a medicine that stimulates or facilitates bowel movements. Laxatives are typically used to treat constipation, which is characterised by infrequent bowel movements (fewer than three a week) and difficult or painful passing of stools. Constipation can be caused by not consuming enough fibre or drinking enough fluids, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, neurologic diseases such as Parkinson's disease, or medications such as calcium channel blockers.

Laxatives work in different ways, including softening stools, increasing the bulk of stools with additional fibre, or stimulating the digestive tract walls to speed up bowel movements. They can be taken orally in the form of liquids, tablets, capsules, or suppositories, or rectally through enemas.

While laxatives can be effective in treating constipation, they can also cause side effects such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. This is especially true when they are not taken as directed or are misused or overused. For example, bulk-forming laxatives, which are considered the gentlest option, can cause bloating, nausea, and vomiting if not taken with enough water. Osmotic laxatives, which work by drawing water into the colon, can lead to dehydration if not taken with enough fluids. Stimulant laxatives, which act rapidly, are the most commonly misused form of laxatives and can cause abdominal pain and severe stomach cramps.

To minimise the risk of side effects, it is important to take laxatives as directed, starting with a low dose and gradually increasing if needed. Drinking plenty of fluids, at least 2 litres of water per day, is also crucial to prevent dehydration. Laxatives should only be taken occasionally and for short periods, and individuals with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis should consult a doctor before taking them. If side effects occur, it is important to speak to a healthcare provider.

They should be used sparingly and occasionally, not daily

Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation by loosening stools and increasing bowel movements. They are available over the counter and by prescription. While laxatives can be effective in treating constipation, they should only be used sparingly and occasionally, not daily. This is because the body can become dependent on them, and they can cause several side effects and health complications if overused or misused.

Laxatives should be a last resort when treating constipation. The first line of treatment should always be lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising regularly. These measures are often sufficient to relieve constipation. However, if these changes do not help, laxatives can be considered.

The occasional use of laxatives is generally safe, but they should not be used daily. Prolonged or excessive use of laxatives can lead to several side effects and health complications. For example, stimulant laxatives, if taken too often, can cause dependence, as the bowel may stop functioning normally. Bulk-forming laxatives, while generally gentle and safe, can cause abdominal cramping, bloating, and gas if the fibre intake is increased too abruptly. Lubricant laxatives, such as mineral oil, can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and certain medications if taken for extended periods.

Furthermore, laxative misuse is relatively common, especially among individuals with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. People with these conditions may use large amounts of laxatives to lose weight, but this can lead to fluid loss, organ damage, and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to use laxatives sparingly and only when necessary.

In conclusion, laxatives should be used sparingly and occasionally, not daily. They are meant to be a short-term solution for constipation, and prolonged use can lead to side effects and health complications. It is always best to try lifestyle changes first and consult a doctor if constipation persists, as they can recommend alternative treatments or prescribe laxatives if necessary.

Frequently asked questions