What you need to take laxatives during constipation

Contents:

• Medical Video: Episode 4 - Constipation Treatment
  
• What are the causes of constipation and difficult bowel movements?
  
• How to cure constipation naturally without laxatives
  
• Before taking laxatives, first know the type
  
• What laxatives are suitable for me?
  

Medical Video: Episode 4 - Constipation Treatment

Have you ever overcome constipation by taking laxatives? These laxatives which are easily available everywhere, are often a solution to quickly overcome constipation. But do you really need to take laxatives during constipation? Are laxatives safe for consumption?

What are the causes of constipation and difficult bowel movements?

In general, constipation or constipation is defined as a condition that occurs when defecating less than 3 times a week.

But don't worry if you have a BAB schedule only once a week, that doesn't mean you have constipation. In fact, each person has a different schedule for defecation, this is caused by the digestive system and the movements of the intestines that each has. However, most people do experience 3 times bowel movements - which means you have to defecate - in a day to a maximum of three weeks.

Then where do I know that I have constipation? Constipation occurs if your BAB schedule is longer than usual. In addition, if you experience constipation, some other symptoms will also be experienced by you, such as feeling full stomach, abdominal pain, bloody bowel movements, and feeling dissatisfied after bowel movements.

How to cure constipation naturally without laxatives

Constipation usually occurs due to poor lifestyle and the selection of unhealthy foods. Therefore, before you switch to using laxatives, you should try to change your lifestyle and habits first, such as doing:

• Routinely and consume lots of fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables, fruit, and wheat.
• Drink plenty of fluids every day, try to keep drinking mineral water
• Exercise regularly

With changes in lifestyle like that, it is expected that constipation will heal naturally without having to take medication. However, if constipation occurs for a long time and does not go away even though it has tried to change habits, it is recommended to take laxatives.

Before taking laxatives, first know the type

Laxatives have the main function to facilitate bowel movements and remove food debris that is accumulated in the stomach. Before deciding to use laxatives for your constipation to heal, you should first know what types of laxatives are available:

• Purgative bulk-formingThis drug works almost the same as fiber in the body, by absorbing more water in the body so that the dirt becomes softer, bigger, and easier to remove. Examples of this type of laxative are psyllium (Metamucil), polycarbophil (FiberCon), and methylcellulose (Citrucel).
• Osmotic laxatives, increasing the water content in the intestine, making it easier for the bowel movement to excrete. Examples such as lactulose and polyethylene glycol.
• Stimulant laxatives, works by stimulating intestinal movements to be faster. In addition, this drug can affect the nerves that move the intestinal muscles so that the speed of bowel movements increases. Examples are, bisacodyl, senna and sodium picosulfate.
• Lubricant laxatives, or dirt softener that works by increasing the water content between the surface of the intestinal wall with dirt, so that dirt can escape easily.

What laxatives are suitable for me?

Although laxatives have been around for a long time, but until now there is still little scientific evidence that proves related to the use of laxatives in dealing with constipation or which type of laxative is better. However, most people who use laxatives will choose a type of laxative bulk-forming first and usually the drug will immediately give side effects between two to three days after use.

If your stools are difficult to remove and hurt, then osmotic type laxatives are the right medicine to deal with your problem. Meanwhile, if the dirt that comes out is soft textured but still difficult to remove, it's better if you take stimulant laxatives. However, the best thing that can be done to determine which laxative is right, is to discuss with your doctor to fit your needs and conditions at that time.