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Taking Laxatives Since Many Months. No Bowels And Bloated Feeling. Is The Damage Dangerous?
Question: Hi I am 20 years old and I have been abusing laxatives for 9 months. I wasn't taking them to loose weight, just to help me go to the bathroom. I would take them early on the morning. I know am trying to get off of them and when I did, I didn't have a bowel movement at all and felt really bloated. I also drank a lot of water and ate a lot of finer. I know I really did damage and just didn't know anything else I should do. I am afraid to go to my doctor because of this and don't know if I will be able to ever have a bowel movement again without the use of laxatives. I didn't know what type of damage i may have caused and if it is life threatening
Thank you
Thank you
Hi XXXXXXX
I understand your concern to lose weight and stay fit. It is a difficult process but very rewarding if done the right and safe way.
May I know which Laxative(s) you are on ?
Laxatives are drugs which are used by patients who have fluid 'overload' or kidney disorders. They help to filter the water and electrolytes out of the body to help prevent symptoms of intoxication in such patients only.
It laxatives are taken by a healthy person as yourself it will result in the loss of essential electrolytes and also makes the body dehydrated.
Since you are experiencing constipation, it could be due to the loss of Potassium from the body in the urine. Excess loss due to diuretics can cause severe constipation and possible ileus. This will cause the bloating as well.
The constipation should get relieved if laxatives are stopped but it is highly advisable to get a thorough workup of your electrolytes to find loss of Potassium and other electrolytes which may be causing the complications. You may require to be admitted for a thorough checkup and may also require intravenous drip of electrolytes if the deficiency is severe. Kindly stop the laxatives with immediate effect for your safety.
In order to lose weight, you need to be on strict diet control and a good exercise regime. Avoid fatty, oily, junk food, colas, smoking and alcohol. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and XXXXXXX leafy vegetables. Drink 1-2 litres of water daily. Do daily brisk walking for 40 minutes a day. Get 6-8 hours of refreshing sleep daily which will also help to reduce weight. Stay stress free by performing Yoga everyday. These instructions will help you reduce weight quickly and is the best and safest method which will cause no regrets.
Kindly do visit the Emergency Room or your nearest Doctor as soon as possible. You may need an enema to get rid of feces collection if required. Do not delay as the complication can get worse if left un-attended to.
Kindly do report back about your current condition and follow up with me.
I hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Regards,
I understand your concern to lose weight and stay fit. It is a difficult process but very rewarding if done the right and safe way.
May I know which Laxative(s) you are on ?
Laxatives are drugs which are used by patients who have fluid 'overload' or kidney disorders. They help to filter the water and electrolytes out of the body to help prevent symptoms of intoxication in such patients only.
It laxatives are taken by a healthy person as yourself it will result in the loss of essential electrolytes and also makes the body dehydrated.
Since you are experiencing constipation, it could be due to the loss of Potassium from the body in the urine. Excess loss due to diuretics can cause severe constipation and possible ileus. This will cause the bloating as well.
The constipation should get relieved if laxatives are stopped but it is highly advisable to get a thorough workup of your electrolytes to find loss of Potassium and other electrolytes which may be causing the complications. You may require to be admitted for a thorough checkup and may also require intravenous drip of electrolytes if the deficiency is severe. Kindly stop the laxatives with immediate effect for your safety.
In order to lose weight, you need to be on strict diet control and a good exercise regime. Avoid fatty, oily, junk food, colas, smoking and alcohol. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and XXXXXXX leafy vegetables. Drink 1-2 litres of water daily. Do daily brisk walking for 40 minutes a day. Get 6-8 hours of refreshing sleep daily which will also help to reduce weight. Stay stress free by performing Yoga everyday. These instructions will help you reduce weight quickly and is the best and safest method which will cause no regrets.
Kindly do visit the Emergency Room or your nearest Doctor as soon as possible. You may need an enema to get rid of feces collection if required. Do not delay as the complication can get worse if left un-attended to.
Kindly do report back about your current condition and follow up with me.
I hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Regards,
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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