Question 1

how do you deal with dehydration with laxative abuse?

Accepted Answer

Stop the abuse: "irritant" purgatives cause: melanosis coli (reversible pigmenting of colon lining), cathartic colon ("floppy" colon with limited muscle tone), & soap or chemical colitis (acute inflammation within hours of "cleansing" enema). When laxatives are discontinued, edema develops that resolves in 3-6 weeks. Most laxative abusers don't wait 3-6 weeks & return to their purgatives to reduce weight & edema.

Question 2

how common is laxative abuse?

Accepted Answer

More than you think: Two patient groups (both will deny laxative ingestion): bulemia nervosa (typically women 18-40), & surreptitious laxative abusers (usually women 40-60). "irritant" purgatives cause: melanosis coli (reversible pigmenting of colon lining), cathartic colon ("floppy" colon with limited muscle tone), & soap or chemical colitis (acute inflammation within hours of "cleansing" enema). Suspects need eval.

Question 3

what is the definition or description of: laxative abuse?

Accepted Answer

Overuse: Laxatives come in various types.  Stimulant laxatives are potentially the most "dangerous" in that there is the potential to cause a weak or "cathartic" colon.  In this condition, the colon becomes sluggish and ultimately unresponsive to laxatives.  Laxative abuse is most common in young women trying to keep their weight down.

Question 4

can laxative abuse affect my fertility?

Accepted Answer

If it leads: to MALNUTRITION Y DEFINITELY YES! Menstration will often stop with even minor malnutrition and since anxiety is often associated with eating disorders this can also affect ovulation!!!
Furthermore you would NOT BE WISE in getting pregnant with an  unresolved eating disorder

Hope this is helpful!
Dr Z

Question 5

are there side effects of laxative abuse?

Accepted Answer

SideEffects of abuse: "irritant" purgatives cause: melanosis coli (reversible pigmenting of colon lining), cathartic colon ("floppy" colon with limited muscle tone), & soap or chemical colitis (acute inflammation within hours of "cleansing" enema). Abusers get chronic diarrhea, crampy abdominal pain, edema, nausea/vomiting, muscle weakness, bone pain, lassitude, kidney stones, skin changes, kidney disease, dehydration.

Question 6

can laxative abuse cause gastroparesis thanx?

Accepted Answer

No: Abuse of medications is not healthy, and laxative abuse can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, potential colon damage, etc. But gastroparesis does not come from laxative use.

Question 7

what is laxative abuse vs necessary frequent laxative use?

Accepted Answer

How freq, necessary?: Why the need for frequent, necessary laxatives?  Check diet, meds, level of activity, gyn issues. Metabolic/hormonal issues. Anything reversible here? Abuse of laxatives occurs when it is used as a means for weight control (doesn't really do that), a response to binge eating, or when one is unable or unwilling to make the necessary and appropriate lifestyle changes. See md to exclude pathology.

Question 8

can laxative abuse or over use of laxative cause colitis.?

Accepted Answer

Not really: Laxative use should be directed by your doctor. Needing laxatives for more than two days should prompt a visit to your doctor.

Question 9

what to do if no one's answering. can laxative abuse cause diabetes?

Accepted Answer

I don't think so: Type I diabetes is autoimmune and I can't see how abuse of either an irritating laxative or a saline cathartic could contribute. Type II diabetes is genetic and gets expressed earlier if the person is overweight and/or doesn't exercise. If this person's abusing laxatives to stay thin, a major lifestyle modification is in order.

Question 10

how long does it take to restore electrolyte levels after laxative abuse?

Accepted Answer

It varies: I would think it very much depends on the degree of losses, but our kidneys are very well suited in conserving the necessary ions provided the supply is adequate, my guess would be 2-3 days max, it is a guess though.

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How do you deal with dehydration with laxative abuse

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How do you deal with dehydration with laxative abuse?

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How common is laxative abuse?

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What is the definition or description of: laxative abuse?

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Can laxative abuse affect my fertility?

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Are there side effects of laxative abuse?

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Can laxative abuse cause gastroparesis thanx?

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What is laxative abuse vs necessary frequent laxative use?

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Can laxative abuse or over use of laxative cause colitis.?

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What to do if no one's answering. can laxative abuse cause diabetes?

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How long does it take to restore electrolyte levels after laxative abuse?

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