[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”About” _builder_version=”4.23″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(255,255,255,0) 0%|#ffffff 50%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” background_color_gradient_end=”#ffffff” background_color_gradient_end_position=”50%” background_enable_image=”off” background_position=”center_left” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.23″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Montserrat|700||on|||||” header_text_color=”#393939″ header_font_size=”44px” header_font_size_tablet=”44px” header_font_size_phone=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]

HOW TO RELIEVE CONSTIPATION WITH THE RIGHT LAXATIVE

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#393939″ global_colors_info=”{}”]Constipation is a frequently encountered health issue, and its effect on one’s quality of life is frequently undervalued. In Canada, about 25% of individuals contend with intermittent or persistent constipation. If dietary and exercise modifications have been implemented without noticeable progress, the judicious use of a laxative might offer relief. However, given the multitude of products accessible at your local pharmacy, determining the most suitable option can be perplexing. How can you effectively address constipation?[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” sticky_position=”top” sticky_limit_bottom=”row” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#393939″ text_font_size=”18px” link_font=”Montserrat|500|||||||” link_text_color=”#393939″ link_font_size=”18px” background_color=”#f4f4f4″ custom_padding=”60px|40px|60px|40px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]

• What is occasional constipation?
• What is chronic constipation?
• Laxatives to relieve pain
• Laxatives in preparation for a medical procedure
• Laxatives may interfere with other medications
• When to seek medical advice

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WHAT IS OCCASIONAL CONSTIPATION?

Occasional constipation refers to a short-term condition typically lasting less than four weeks. It can be triggered by factors such as temporary medication use or adjustments in diet and lifestyle.

There are various remedies available to alleviate occasional constipation:

Fibre supplements Also called bulk-forming laxatives	How they work: They work by making stools bulkier and softer, which stimulates the intestines and makes stools easier to pass. Did you know? It is important to take each dose with a full glass of water (or other liquid). To avoid flatulence (gas) and bloating, it’s best to start with a small dose then gradually increase the amount or frequency.
Stool softeners	How they work: They soften stools so they are easier to pass. Did you know? These types of laxatives are helpful in preventing constipation, especially for people who should avoid straining when defecating, for example following an operation or childbirth. Stool softeners are generally well tolerated. However, they may cause stomach cramps or mild nausea.
Stimulant laxatives	How they work: They cause the intestine to contract, helping stools to pass. Did you know? Except in rare cases, they should not be used on a regular basis, as this can create dependence (the intestines can become “lazy”).
Osmotic laxatives	How they work: They stimulate the intestines to absorb water, which makes stools softer. Did you know? Osmotic laxatives are more efficacious than stool softeners.
Suppositories laxatives	How they work: They stimulate the intestine to contract thereby causing an urge to defecate. Did you know? These laxatives can be either stimulants or osmotic.

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WHAT IS CHRONIC CONSTIPATION?

Chronic constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements, typically less than three per week, or difficulty passing stools for a minimum of three months.

When the root cause of chronic constipation persists despite dietary and non-pharmacological approaches, the common recommendation is to initiate a laxative treatment.

In addition to fiber supplements and stool softeners, the following laxatives may be employed to alleviate chronic constipation:

• Osmotic laxatives
• In certain cases where other laxatives prove ineffective, or to address an accumulation of hardened feces causing blockages in the colon or rectum, an enema may be utilized.

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Hypoglycemia can be induced by certain diabetes medications, notably insulin and specific drugs that stimulate increased insulin production by the pancreas. This is most likely to happen when there is a dosing mistake, particularly with insulin, or when medication adherence is not followed as prescribed.

Additionally, situations that can trigger a decrease in blood sugar levels encompass skipping meals or reducing food intake, engaging in more intense or extended physical activities than usual, or consuming alcohol, especially without concurrent eating.

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LAXATIVES TO RELIEVE PAIN

Enemas, suppositories, and stimulant laxatives are the quickest-acting solutions for promoting intestinal contractions and facilitating the expulsion of stools, often producing results within minutes to a few hours.

Here are the approximate timeframes for their effectiveness:

• Enemas: Typically take 5 to 15 minutes to produce results.
• Suppositories: Generally work within 15 to 60 minutes.
• Stimulant laxatives: May take 6 to 12 hours to take effect.

In contrast, fiber supplements, stool softeners, and osmotic laxatives typically require at least a day, and sometimes a bit longer, to modify the consistency of stools, making them easier to pass.

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LAXATIVES IN PREPARATION FOR A MEDICAL PROCEDURE

Saline laxatives serve the purpose of clearing the intestinal tract before a medical procedure, and they can be taken either orally or administered in the form of an enema. Osmotic laxatives might also be considered in this context.

Furthermore, this procedure often involves adhering to a highly restrictive diet in the days leading up to the medical intervention. It is of utmost importance that you meticulously adhere to the guidelines as provided by your healthcare provider. Failure to do so could potentially result in the procedure being postponed or canceled. Your pharmacist will provide a thorough explanation of the necessary steps to follow.

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LAXATIVES MAY INTERFERE WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS

If you take prescription or over-the-counter medication, talk to your pharmacist before using a laxative, as some products may interact with your medication.

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WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE

Pregnant or nursing women should always consult with their healthcare provider or pharmacist before considering the use of a laxative.

If self-treatment for constipation proves ineffective or you experience concerning symptoms such as blood in your stools, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or unexplained weight loss, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

For generally healthy individuals, occasional constipation is typically a manageable issue and can be addressed with the use of over-the-counter laxatives available at the pharmacy.

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