How can I find the most effective treatment for my constipation?
OTC\prescription
The Elderly
At this time of pregnancy
Toddlers
The Step of Calling a Physician
Summary
Introduction
The most effective treatment for constipation varies from person to person. It all depends on the individual, including their age and health status. The market is stocked with various laxatives, both OTC and via prescription.
But physicians initially advocate lifestyle measures like boosting hydration and fibre consumption and obtaining regular exercise for persistent constipation.
Several drugs may be helpful when healthy lifestyle changes do not result in regular bowel movements. They increase water in the intestine or stimulate muscular spasms that accelerate transit time, for example, to encourage bowel motions.
In the US, constipation is persistent. The people it has an impact on us
For every 100 adults, 16 will have it, whereas 33 of those 60 and over will have it.
Constipation is a well-known health issue among all age people. However, this article will focus on the best treatments for pregnant women, young children, and the elderly. Constipation medications, both over the counter and medically prescribed, are also discussed, along with their benefits and drawbacks.
I need to know about over-the-counter medicines for constipation.
Several distinct over the counter (OTC) drugs treat constipation, each in its unique method. The following are some of them:
Food additives containing fibre
fiber based food
Research shows that taking a fibre supplement increases intestinal activity in two ways. They aid in the smooth passage of faeces through the large intestine and produce softer, more oversized stools by stimulating the gut mechanically.
Also, some can increase faeces' water, making them more solid, squishy, and convenient to pass. Some instances are:
Methylcellulose (Citrucel)
A Polycarbophil Calcium Source (Fibercon)
psyllium (Metamucil)
Osmotic substances
Osmotic drugs enhance the frequency of bowel movements and the softness of the stool by attracting water into the intestines.
Polyethene glycol (MiraLAX) is one example, as is a saline/salt solution with magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia).
Specific osmotic agents come with their own set of dangers. Magnesium-containing products are risky for those with renal illness because they can disrupt metabolism. No osmotic agent is recommended when a patient has the renal or cardiac disease.
Lubricants
The stool and the colon are protected from water by the lubricant coating. This stops it from drying out as it travels through the digestive tract. The use of mineral oil is one such instance (Fleet).
The usage of mineral oil is not without its dangers. Aspiration, when anything is breathed in through the throat, can occur if liquids are inhaled. The result might be various uncomfortable side effects, including a hacking cough, shortness of breath, and even choking.
Stimulants
Stimulants quicken digestion by increasing the rate at which the digestive system's muscular contractions. This drug should be used in extreme cases of constipation where other laxatives have failed.
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax), castor oil, and senna are only a few of the many examples (Senokot).
Constipation treatment with stimulants is not without its own dangers. Abdominal discomfort is a common side effect, and chronic usage has been linked to gut muscle injury.
If you have constipation, what prescription medications do you recommend?
One or more of the following are available upon doctor's prescription:
Medications:
Lubiprostone
Stools can be passed more readily with the help of lubiprostone (Amitiza) since it increases fluid in the bowels. It increases the regularity of bowel movements, softens the stools, and eases abdominal discomfort. Some medical conditions for which this drug may be prescribed include:
When constipation lasts longer than three months and has no recognized cause, doctors call it "chronic idiopathic constipation."
Irritable bowel syndrome type C affects women over 18 and is characterized by chronic constipation (IBS).
The medicines used to treat pain, such as oxycodone, can have a side effect known as opioid-induced constipation (Oxycontin).
In addition to its benefits, lubiprostone may have the following unwanted side effects:
nausea
vomiting
heartburn
heartburns
Plectanatide or linaclotide
Both linaclotide (Linzess) and plecanatide (Trulance) work by stimulating fluid production in the intestines, which makes it easier for faeces to move through the digestive system. Constipation without an identifiable cause, such as IBS, can be treated with these medications.
However, linaclotide might induce stomach upset in certain patients.
Prucalopride
The use of prucalopride (Motegrity) has been shown to improve intestinal motility. Doctors can use it to help with cases of chronic idiopathic constipation.
As with another drug, this one might come with a list of possible adverse effects.
Experiencing discomfort in the stomach
nausea
diarrhoea
dizziness
Most effective drugs for the elderly Analyses to be performed in 2021
Review 23 clinical studies to identify effective and safe laxatives for those over 65. After three months of usage, the following were judged to be relatively risk-free:
Liquid osmotic laxative
Fibre-based laxatives have been shown to enhance stool density and water retention.
fibre-free laxative stimulant
Polyethene glycol, an osmotic agent, worked well and was safe to use for around 6 months.
Using laxatives that create more stool volume might have some unpleasant side effects. There are several, but some of them are:
nausea
vomiting
bloating
diarrhea
Except for stool softeners and bulk-forming agents, consistent laxative usage has also been linked to the following side effects:
Needing help constantly or having significant issues with bowel motility
pancreatitis
IBS
Here, we'll break out the critical distinctions between laxatives and stool softeners.
The Safest and Most Effective Prenatal Drugs
Constipation is a leading pro during pregnancy, affecting up to 40% of expecting mothers. They need to try the following as a first step:
Increasing one's water intake is recommended.
maintaining an active lifestyle
Increasing your daily fibre intake to at least 25 g by consuming a wide variety of high-fibre foods.
A laxative may be prescribed by a doctor if this fails to work. Because laxatives are not absorbed by the body, medical professionals do not.
Short-term usage has been linked to an increased risk of birth defects.
But abnormality risk isn't everything you need to think about. The efficacy of treatments for constipation during pregnancy must be investigated further.
If natural remedies for constipation fail during pregnancy, a woman should talk to her doctor before taking medication.
Prescription drugs that are safe and effective for infants and young children
Adjustments to the child's daily routine are the first line of defence against childhood constipation, as recommended by doctors. It's possible that increasing your water intake and fibre intake (up to 35 grams per day) might help.
.Extra medical intervention may include using an over-the-counter laxative or enema, which includes the introduction of liquid or gas into the rectum to facilitate bowel movement. A doctor may also suggest you stop taking any drugs with a side effect of constipation.
Besides laxatives, other remedies for constipation include:
Teaching young toddlers how to use the restroom properly. A good example would be suggesting they use the restroom after eating.
The process of disimpaction includes using substances like polyethene glycol to break apart the accumulated poo.
Laxatives for regular use.
The safety of laxatives and other drugs and the determination of an adequate dose necessitate that caregivers consult with doctors before giving them to children.
When to seek medical attention
The Canadian Society for Intestinal Research advises that laxatives should be used sparingly and only when medically necessary. In cases when constipation occurs more frequently than once per week, a person should consult a doctor before using an over-the-counter laxative.
In addition, several drugs can trigger.
Constipation. A physician may decide to lower the dosage or recommend an alternate treatment in such circumstances. Dependent on laxatives? A doctor can help you wean off them safely and gradually.
Serious adverse effects, such as hives, swelling, rashes, and trouble breathing, have been linked to several drugs used to treat constipation. If you feel a breathing problem, you should get medical help immediately.
Summary
The most effective treatment for constipation varies from person to person. Pregnant women may benefit from taking it as a fibre supplement. In contrast, polyethene glycol may be appropriate for elderly individuals and children.
Any laxative will have some unwanted side effects. Therefore, anyone who experiences constipation more than once a week should consult a medical professional.
Further, since using laxatives often might cause
Regularity-promoting lifestyle choices are strongly recommended by medical professionals for preventing dependency and other significant health problems. Among these include maintaining a regular exercise routine and boosting one's intake of fluids and fiber.
0 Comments