Question 1

will a hair strand test reveal laxative abuse?

Accepted Answer

Detection of abuse: Diagnosis of factitious diarrhea can be made by colonic barium x-ray, stool & urine testing for phenolphthalein, emetine, bisacodyl, anthraquinolones, & fecal fluid can be analyzed for osmolality & electrolytes. See also my earlier answers on healthtap regarding colon lining changes seen on colonoscopy, as well as the physical manifestions that may present in suspected laxative abusers.

Question 2

what are the effects of laxative abuse?

Accepted Answer

Effects 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 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

how can you get your health back in check after laxative abuse?

Accepted Answer

Daily fiber: Never use laxatives again, if you can help it ( and here's how).If no b m in 2-3 days, try milk of magnesia or miralax (polyethylene glycol).They both work differently that a laxative.

Question 5

a question about laxative abuse. if you need the laxatives, is daily use still considered abuse?

Accepted Answer

Yes: No one should need laxatives. See a pmd, GI doc or colorectal surgeon who is familiar with performing motility studies. Stool softeners without the laxative effect are safer.

Question 6

i need help with my laxative abuse. how can i stop? i'm scared i'm doing major long term damage to myself

Accepted Answer

Laxative abuse: You're certainly wise to be concerned about laxative abuse which can cause damage to the colon lining. A gastroenterologist is best qualified to instruct you on the causes, types, proper diet, fluid intake and, if deemed advisable, prescription medications useful in certain cases of chronic constipation.

Question 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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.

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Tests for laxative abuse

A member asked:

Will a hair strand test reveal laxative abuse?

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What are the effects of laxative abuse?

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What is the definition or description of: laxative abuse?

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How can you get your health back in check after laxative abuse?

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A question about laxative abuse. if you need the laxatives, is daily use still considered abuse?

A member asked:

I need help with my laxative abuse. how can i stop? i'm scared i'm doing major long term damage to myself

A member asked:

Can laxative abuse affect my fertility?

A member asked:

Are there side effects of laxative abuse?

A member asked:

Can laxative abuse cause gastroparesis thanx?

A member asked:

How do you deal with dehydration with laxative abuse?

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