Hemorrhoids: Should I Use Laxatives?
First of all...
what are laxatives? The medical name for laxative is "purgative", and refers to drugs that aid in the emptying of the bowel.
There are different kinds of laxatives and they are taken either by mouth as a pill or liquid, or rectally as a suppository or enema.
They are generally used to treat constipation or as preparation for tests or surgery when the bowel must be empty.
There are several different types of laxatives.
Bulk-forming laxatives attract water to the stool causing it to "bulk up" and thus stimulating the bowel muscles to contract (peristalsis), causing the stool to move toward elimination.
They usually contain the ingredient psyllium.
Stimulant laxatives can be an undesirable way to evacuate the bowels because they are harsh and irritating to the intestinal lining.
They act by causing the muscles of the bowel to contract, or squeeze, in order to pass the stool.
Stimulating laxatives should not be used for any length of time because the bowel quickly loses its tone and becomes unable to expel stool naturally.
They commonly contain the ingredient bisacodyl.
Stool softeners are designed to do exactly what the name implies: soften the stool.
Unlike the stimulant laxatives, stool softeners act by attracting water into the stool so that it will be soft and moist and and pass gently.
A common ingredient of stool softeners is docusate.
Lubricants are designed to do exactly what the name implies...
lubricate the stool mass by covering it with an oily film to make it "slide" easily.
A typical lubricant preparation is mineral oil which may be combined with milk of magnesia.
Hyperosmotic laxatives draw water into the stool mass from surrounding tissues.
They come as fast acting (saline) and slow acting (lactose) Fiber! We've saved the best for last! Fiber is a "wonder drug" for the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids.
It is available in certain foods (whole wheat, bran, vegetables) and as a medicine taken by mouth (usually contains polyethylene glycol).
It is a highly effective treatment for constipation and acts by attracting water into the stool mass to make it soft and moist.
The prevention of constipation is of vital importance if one is to avoid the development of hemorrhoids or the worsening of hemorrhoids that have already occurred.
Paradoxically, constipation can cause hemorrhoids and can also be caused by hemorrhoids.
Whichever the case may be, hemorrhoids and constipation are bad and to be avoided at all costs! Until next time!
what are laxatives? The medical name for laxative is "purgative", and refers to drugs that aid in the emptying of the bowel.
There are different kinds of laxatives and they are taken either by mouth as a pill or liquid, or rectally as a suppository or enema.
They are generally used to treat constipation or as preparation for tests or surgery when the bowel must be empty.
There are several different types of laxatives.
Bulk-forming laxatives attract water to the stool causing it to "bulk up" and thus stimulating the bowel muscles to contract (peristalsis), causing the stool to move toward elimination.
They usually contain the ingredient psyllium.
Stimulant laxatives can be an undesirable way to evacuate the bowels because they are harsh and irritating to the intestinal lining.
They act by causing the muscles of the bowel to contract, or squeeze, in order to pass the stool.
Stimulating laxatives should not be used for any length of time because the bowel quickly loses its tone and becomes unable to expel stool naturally.
They commonly contain the ingredient bisacodyl.
Stool softeners are designed to do exactly what the name implies: soften the stool.
Unlike the stimulant laxatives, stool softeners act by attracting water into the stool so that it will be soft and moist and and pass gently.
A common ingredient of stool softeners is docusate.
Lubricants are designed to do exactly what the name implies...
lubricate the stool mass by covering it with an oily film to make it "slide" easily.
A typical lubricant preparation is mineral oil which may be combined with milk of magnesia.
Hyperosmotic laxatives draw water into the stool mass from surrounding tissues.
They come as fast acting (saline) and slow acting (lactose) Fiber! We've saved the best for last! Fiber is a "wonder drug" for the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids.
It is available in certain foods (whole wheat, bran, vegetables) and as a medicine taken by mouth (usually contains polyethylene glycol).
It is a highly effective treatment for constipation and acts by attracting water into the stool mass to make it soft and moist.
The prevention of constipation is of vital importance if one is to avoid the development of hemorrhoids or the worsening of hemorrhoids that have already occurred.
Paradoxically, constipation can cause hemorrhoids and can also be caused by hemorrhoids.
Whichever the case may be, hemorrhoids and constipation are bad and to be avoided at all costs! Until next time!