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- Excessive laxative use is closely associated with an eating disorder called bulimia nervosa. The ongoing misuse of laxatives can lead to chronic constipation, electrolyte imbalances, depression, heart problems, and an increased risk of colon cancer. Treatment typically involves psychotherapy and changes in eating habits.
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Aug 12, 2023 · Using laxatives excessively can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, gas, loose stool, and diarrhea. Laxative abuse can also cause rectal irritation, in part because watery stools overload rectal tissues with fluids. This can lead to an increased risk of infection and bleeding during bowel movements.
- Laura Dorwart
Sep 19, 2023 · While some people might be prescribed a daily dose of laxatives based on their symptoms, it's not safe for everyone to take laxatives every day, according to Shaheer Siddiqui, MD, a gastroenterologist at the Memorial Hermann Medical Group in Houston, Texas.
Aug 28, 2018 · We’ll cover common side effects for short-term and long-term use of five types of laxatives, as well as associated risks. We’ll also share tips for preventing constipation in the first place.
- Scott Frothingham
May 1, 2024 · Do not take any type of laxative: if you have signs of appendicitis or inflamed bowel (such as stomach or lower abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, soreness, nausea, or vomiting). Instead, check with your doctor as soon as possible. for more than 1 week unless your doctor has prescribed or ordered a special schedule for you.
Mar 6, 2024 · One of the most immediate effects of laxative abuse is dehydration, as laxatives increase fluid expulsion from the body. This can lead to symptoms such as thirst, dry skin, and fatigue. More dangerously, it can cause electrolyte imbalances—alterations in the levels of essential minerals like potassium, sodium, and magnesium.
Nov 13, 2017 · Don’t take laxatives daily. “Chronic laxative use can eventually cause the colon to become atonic—’worn out,’ if you will—and over time lead to paradoxically worsening constipation,” says Neilanjan Nandi, MD, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine and director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Drexel ...
Oct 9, 2017 · This dehydration can lead to “tremors, weakness, blurry vision, fainting, (and) kidney damage [1].” Dehydration must be treated medically and can lead to hospitalization and, in severe cases, death. Laxatives are also tough on many bodily organs when used properly and even more so when abused and used excessively.
