Laxantia
Laxants promote bowel movements and relieve constipation. Volumetric laxatives, such as psyllium, increase stool volume and work slowly. Osmotic laxatives, such as lactulose, attract water and work within hours to days. Contact laxatives, such as bisacodyl, excite the intestinal wall and work quickly, but long-term use can cause habituation. Emollients, such as docusate sodium, soften stools and help with painful bowel movements. Read more below!
Below you will find appropriate information for each age group
.Laxants for babies and children (0-10 years)
Laxants are drugs that promote bowel movements. They can help if a child suffers from constipation, which means it is difficult or painful to go to the toilet. For young children, mild, safe options such as lactulose or macrogol are best.
Why this topic is important to you as a parent of a child
As a parent, you naturally want your baby or child to feel well. Many children experience constipation at times. This means that the stool is too hard, it comes hard or that your child even has pain when defecating. Fortunately, you can do something about that!
What exactly is constipation?
For babies and children with constipation, stool comes less than three times a week. It can be painful and stool is often hard and yucky. Sometimes you see children holding up their poop because they expect pain. Unfortunately, this only makes the situation worse.
How to recognize constipation in children?
Congestion can cause several symptoms:
- Some children get abdominal pain because a lot of poop remains in the large intestine. Your child may have cramps in the abdomen.
- Sometimes some thin poop leaks out past the hard poop. This gets into your child's diaper or underpants.
- There may be a lot of poop all at once.
- Sometimes cracks develop in the anus (poop hole) from the hard poop. This can hurt.
- Some children cannot hold the pee well. They may also develop cystitis. We do not know exactly why this happens.
Congestion can be worse some days than others. Sometimes pooping goes back to normal for a while.
For more information on constipation in children, visit www.thuisarts.nl
What can you do yourself?
- Fiber-rich diet:Make sure you have enough fiber in your diet, such as whole grain products, fruits and vegetables.
- Sufficient drinking: Water is important to make stools softer.
- Exercise: Being active daily stimulates the bowels.
- Toilet training: Have your child go to the toilet at set times, such as after eating.
- Always use laxatives according to the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.
- Start with the correct dosage and gradually phase out the medication after improvement.
- Keep track of how often your child goes to the toilet with a poop diary.
- abdominal pain
- feeling full or nauseous
- giving up
- pain when defecating
- blood loss from the anus
- feeling sick
- fever
- feeling sick
- feeling hungry or not hungry for food and drink
- feeling off
- Products: Lactulose (e.g. Duphalac), macrogol (e.g. Movicolon Junior)
- Use: Follow the dosage on the label. Preferably give the drug at the same time of day.
- Warning: Do not use laxatives for too long without consulting a doctor.
- Side effects: Flatulence or mild abdominal pain may occur.
- Voedingscentrum.nl
- Apotheek.nl
When are medications needed?
If the above tips do not help enough, laxatives may be a solution. For babies up to 1 year old, lactulose is often advised. For older children, polyethylene glycol (PEG) or lactulose is usually the first choice. This helps make stools softer and prevents pain.
Important tips when using laxatives:
When to see the doctor?
Call your doctor if your child has constipation and one or more of these symptoms:
also call your doctor if you've tried the advice for two weeks, but your child's symptoms don't lessen.
For more information on constipation in children, visit www.thuisarts.nl.
Why is this important for babies and children?
Young children have a sensitive digestive system. Constipation can lead to abdominal pain, decreased appetite and tearfulness. A gentle approach is crucial to prevent further symptoms. The use of laxatives should always be done in consultation with a doctor or pharmacist
Tips and products
Always consult with the pharmacy first!
Sources
Questions?
Please feel free to ask. We're happy to help.
Laxants for teens and young adults (11-20 years)
Laxants help your intestines eliminate waste products. This may be necessary if you eat less fiber, drink too little or exercise little. There are different types of laxants, including osmotic laxants (e.g., macrogol) and stimulants (e.g., bisacodyl).
Why this topic is important to you
During puberty and young adulthood, there are many changes in your body. Healthy eating habits do not always come naturally, which can lead to constipation.
Why is this important for teens and young adults?
Stress from school or social pressure can affect your digestion. If constipation is left untreated, it can negatively affect your concentration and mood. Timely treatment is therefore important.
Tips and products
- Products: Bisacodyl (Dulcolax), macrogolol (Movicolon)
- Use: Preferably take the drug in the evening so that it works the next morning.
- Warning: Stimulants can make your bowels lazy if used for a long time.
- Side effects: Abdominal cramps or diarrhea may occur.
Sources
- Food Center.co.uk
- Apotheek.co.uk
Questions?
Please feel free to ask. We're happy to help.
Laxants for young adults (21-40 years)
Laxants are drugs that promote bowel movements. There are several types: osmotic, stimulant and volume-enhancing laxants. For occasional use, bisacodyl may be appropriate. For a more long-term problem, macrogol is safer.
Why this topic is important to you
In a busy life with work, study or family, a healthy diet sometimes falls by the wayside. This can cause constipation, which can reduce your energy and productivity.
Why is this important for young adults?
A healthy digestion helps you stay fit and energetic. Constipation can lead to fatigue, bloating and abdominal pain. Adequate fiber, water and exercise remain essential.
When to go to the family doctor?
The guideline created for this purpose for health care providers lists the following situations in which adults with constipation should be referred to the family doctor:
When there are alarm symptoms, such as:
- Blood in the stool.
- Inexplicable weight loss.
- Continuing or unexplained abdominal pain.
- Fever or signs of an infection.
Prolonged constipation:
- Adverse symptoms that persist for more than two to three weeks despite adjustments in diet, fluid intake and exercise.
Inadequate effect of laxatives:
- If over-the-counter remedies (such as fiber or osmotic laxatives) do not help within several weeks.
Suspicion of underlying conditions:
- If suspected of structural intestinal problems such as colon polyps, obstruction, or inflammatory bowel disease.
These recommendations are based on medical guidelines that indicate that alarm symptoms or prolonged symptoms always require further investigation to rule out serious causes
Tips and products
- Products: Macrogol (Transipeg), psyllium fiber (Metamucil)
- Use: Take the remedy with plenty of water.
- Warning: Always drink plenty to avoid dehydration.
- Side effects: Flatulence and feeling full may occur.
Sources
- Voedingscentrum.nl
- Apotheek.nl
Questions?
Please feel free to ask. We're happy to help.
Laxants for adults (41-64 years)
Laxants help your intestines work more efficiently. Volumizing agents, such as fiber, and osmotic laxatives are often the first choice. Stimulants are for occasional use.
Why this topic is important to you
In this stage of life, factors such as hormonal changes, medication use or less exercise can contribute to constipation. Good bowel movements are important for your overall health.
Why is this important for adults?
Prolonged constipation can cause complications, such as hemorrhoids or diverticula. It's important to take timely action to keep your digestion running smoothly.
When to see a family doctor?
The guideline for health care providers lists the following situations in which adults with constipation should be referred to the family doctor:
When there are alarm symptoms, such as:
- Blood in the stool.
- Inexplicable weight loss.
- Continuing or unexplained abdominal pain.
- Fever or signs of infection.
Prolonged constipation:
- Any symptoms that persist for more than two to three weeks despite adjustments in diet, fluid intake and exercise.
Inadequate effect of laxatives:
- If over-the-counter remedies (such as fiber or osmotic laxatives) do not help within several weeks.
Suspicion of underlying conditions:
- If suspected of structural intestinal problems such as colon polyps, obstruction, or inflammatory bowel disease.
These recommendations are based on medical guidelines that indicate that alarm symptoms or prolonged complaints always require further investigation to rule out serious causes
Tips and Products
- Products: Psyllium fiber (Colon Clean), macrogolol (Movicolon)
- Use: Build fiber slowly to prevent flatulence.
- Warning: Do not use stimulants for long periods of time.
- Side effects: Possible cramps or bloating.
Sources
- Food Center.com
- Apotheek.nl
Questions?
Please feel free to ask. We're happy to help.
Laxatives for seniors and the elderly (65+)
There are several reasons why constipation is more common later in life.
- Less exercise
Many older people exercise less because of physical limitations or health problems, which can lead to slower bowel function. - Little fluid intake
Elders often drink less because they feel less thirsty or are afraid of having to go to the bathroom. But drinking too little makes stools hard and dry. - Medicine use
Some medications such as painkillers (e.g., opioids), antidepressants, iron supplements and lozenges can cause constipation. - Longer bowel movements
The muscles in the intestines work more slowly as we age, causing stools to sit longer and become harder. - Pelvic floor problems
Because of weakened muscles or problems with the pelvic floor, some older people have difficulty pressing effectively during defecation.
Tips to prevent constipation
With a few lifestyle changes, you can prevent or reduce many symptoms:
- Drink plenty of water: Try to drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters a day, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Eat high-fiber foods: Whole grain breads, vegetables, fruits, and legumes can make stools softer.
- Stay moving: Try to walk or do light exercise every day. Even 15-30 minutes can make a difference.
- Fixed toilet routine:Go to the toilet at fixed times, preferably after meals.
- Use laxatives wisely:Consult with your doctor before using laxatives for long periods of time.
When to see your doctor?
Contact your doctor if:
- The constipation persists for more than 2 weeks, despite adjustments in diet and exercise.
- There is blood in the stool.
- You are experiencing severe abdominal pain, nausea or unexplained weight loss.
- Medication does not seem to be working or is causing side effects.
- You think there is severe constipation (fecal impaction).
What can the family doctor do?
The family doctor can investigate whether there is an underlying cause, such as:
- Medication as a cause:The doctor can see if certain medications can be adjusted.
- Additional tests: If necessary, blood tests, an abdominal ultrasound or other tests may be done.
- Tailored treatment: Consider laxatives, fiber supplements or referral to a physical therapist or specialist.
In conclusion
Obstipation is a common problem in the elderly, but with the right approach, you can often reduce symptoms quite well. Do not hesitate to seek help if symptoms persist, as there are many possible solutions to get back to going to the toilet comfortably!
To know more,
ask our advice.