Question 1

bloating and gas from stool softener?

Accepted Answer

Possible: There are certainly some stool softeners that have high levels of certain chemicals that when in your GI tact can certainly cause the symptoms you describe. There are many other options for you - talk to your doctor about which ones would be right for you so that you don't get a nickname such as toot!

Question 2

no bowel movement in 6 days.  taken stool softener and fiber twice a day.  no pain associated but, there is bloating.  what should we do?

Accepted Answer

Constipation 72 y.o.: Consider prune juice-2-3  glasses  / day, prunes, milk of magnesia 1 table spoon 2x a day x 4 days , also consider Miralax, (polyethylene glycol)  half the dose -only if sure no obstruction , massage ,abdomen and walk, glycerin suppository may also help. Would decrease fiber today as can cause more impaction. In 72 year old would follow up with doctor and get CT make sure no obstruction also check TSH/ T4  f/u/ w/ doc

Question 3

ct-scan showed stool in the right colon. tried otc stool softener, feeling discomfort pressure, bloating only at the right side every day any solution?

Accepted Answer

Gastroenterologist: With constipation we're used to seeing accumulation of stool in the left colon. Since you're experiencing right sided abdominal discomfort, I'm concerned about inflammation in the right colon or ileum such as occurs with Crohn's disease or regional enteritis. I recommend consulting a gastroenterologist for evaluation. Appropriate testing will be done.

Question 4

i have had constipation, gas, and bloating for two weeks. stool softeners and miralax seem to cause cramping and no long term relief. suggestions?

Accepted Answer

Constipation: If you have the urge to have a bowel movement but can't, work from below by inserting a dulcolax rectal suppository. If not successful, insert a fleets enema. If still no results you may need to be disimpacted rectally and this would involve going to the hospital emergency room. If this has been a very new change in bowel habits for you, a colonoscopy is recommended after things have settled down.

Question 5

does long term use of stool softeners and laxatives cause vitam and mineral imbalances/ deficiencies?

Accepted Answer

The simple answer is: No...but it depends on the product, its mechanism of action, and nutritional sufficiency by the individual.

Question 6

26 yr old. had constip. went semi normal after fiber and stool softener. now diahrea. could diet change and softeners be the cause? scared.

Accepted Answer

Yes.: Pretty common for someone with constipation to overshoot and cause diarrhea. Back off meds and eat regularly. If this recurs consider seeing doc.

Question 7

do stool softeners cause weight loss or weight gain while on them?

Accepted Answer

No if used correctly: Stool softeners, such as docusate sodium or mineral oil, are intended for short term, periodic use.  They are not recommended for use more than 1 week.  They generally cause a bowel movement within 12-72 hours.  Long term use is not recommended as it may mask signs of a more serious gastrointestinal symptom.

Question 8

i just had severe constipation which pushed me to take stool softeners. i feel a lot better, but now i have the runs. can constipation cause this?

Accepted Answer

If impacted yes: there is frequently loose stool behind the constipation.  Some times once the stool softeners work they over work and the stool gets loose.

Question 9

i took one dulcolax laxative & a few dulcolax stool softeners. i had normal bm few hours after. can dulcolax cause painful cramping? very strong

Accepted Answer

Probably, since...: Dulcolax (bisacodyl) is a stimulant laxative that works by increasing movement of intestines, helping stool to come out, assuming normal GI anatomy without inflammation, stenosis, extrinsic or instrinsic obstruction. Cramping would be a common side effect, but if persistent please seek evaluation.

Question 10

what can cause a small amount of fluid to drain from my anus  and cause irritation in my crotch . it requires special bathroom visits to keep it clean . i am 63 yoa and take stool softeners, but have never practiced anal intercourse.?

Accepted Answer

Several causes: If you take laxative or stool softeners containing liquid paraffin or similar substance that can actually leak from the anus and soil the perineum.  Inflammation of the ano-rectal area and anal fistula can also cause anal discharge. Therefore a good examination including proctoscopic exam is necessary. I suggest you see your pcp or a GI specialist.

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Doctor answers about:

Do stool softeners cause bloating

A member asked:

Bloating and gas from stool softener?

A member asked:

No bowel movement in 6 days. taken stool softener and fiber twice a day. no pain associated but, there is bloating. what should we do?

A member asked:

Ct-scan showed stool in the right colon. tried otc stool softener, feeling discomfort pressure, bloating only at the right side every day any solution?

A member asked:

I have had constipation, gas, and bloating for two weeks. stool softeners and miralax seem to cause cramping and no long term relief. suggestions?

A member asked:

Does long term use of stool softeners and laxatives cause vitam and mineral imbalances/ deficiencies?

A member asked:

26 yr old. had constip. went semi normal after fiber and stool softener. now diahrea. could diet change and softeners be the cause? scared.

A member asked:

Do stool softeners cause weight loss or weight gain while on them?

A member asked:

I just had severe constipation which pushed me to take stool softeners. i feel a lot better, but now i have the runs. can constipation cause this?

A member asked:

I took one dulcolax laxative & a few dulcolax stool softeners. i had normal bm few hours after. can dulcolax cause painful cramping? very strong

A member asked:

What can cause a small amount of fluid to drain from my anus and cause irritation in my crotch . it requires special bathroom visits to keep it clean . i am 63 yoa and take stool softeners, but have never practiced anal intercourse.?

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