Laxatives – safe and effective
Authors:
J. Martínek
Authors‘ workplace:
Klinika hepatogastroenterologie
; Přednosta: prof. MUDr. Julius Špičák, CSc.
; Institut klinické a experimentální medicíny, Praha
Published in:
Prakt. Lék. 2014; 94(2): 79-82
Category:
Of different specialties
Overview
Constipation is a syndrome on which approximately 20% of the population complains. There are three main causes of constipation: slow transit, anismus and obstructive defecation syndrome. Outlet obstruction (= ODS syndrome or anismus) can be successfully treated by physiotherapy or surgery. In patients with severe slow transit constipation, there is often need for long term treatment with laxatives. There are several types of laxatives: volume, osmotic, stimulative and others. Laxatives can be also used for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy or surgery. There are several myths about laxatives and many doctors as well as patients believe in. For example, it is believed that laxatives are harmful, people can develop a dependence and that they can worsen constipation once already present. No such myth has ever been confirmed and evidence based medicine rather shows that even long-term laxative treatment is safe and effective. Of course, high quality data definitely confirming the long term safety are lacking but there are no valid data showing that treatment with laxatives is risky. Doctors should not discourage patients with laxative to take them if they help and are indicated. A new product on the Czech market represent bisacodyl suppository.
Keywords:
sodium picosulphate – constipation – laxatives
Sources
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Labels
General practitioner for children and adolescents General practitioner for adultsArticle was published in
General Practitioner
2014 Issue 2
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