How to Treat Crohn's Disease With Laxatives
Constipation is one of the results of Crohn's disease when the swollen intestines restrict the normal digestive flow. If a change in diet and increased fluid intake don't relieve the discomfort, laxatives may be used to treat the constipation. Most laxatives are sold as over-the-counter medication, so no prescription is needed.
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Instructions
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Determine the Kind of Laxative to Treat Crohn's Disease
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Review the way oral hyperosmotics work as laxatives. Hyperosmotics such as Epsom salts and Phillips' Milk of Magnesia work by drawing water into the colon from body tissue around the colon.
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Consider oral bulk formers such as Citrucel and Metamucil laxatives that cause the stool to become bulky and soft by absorbing water. Normal intestinal muscle contraction is initiated by the bulky stool.
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Use stool softeners such as Colace and Surfak to add moisture to the stool. The softer stool makes it easier to pass without straining with bowel movements.
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Stimulate the contractions of the intestinal muscles with laxatives such as Ex-lax and Senokot.
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Choose rectal stimulants such as Fleet Bisacodyl and Dulcolax to initiate contractions of the intestinal muscles instead of taking an oral laxative.
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Ask your doctor about taking mineral oil as a lubricant laxative to treat constipation associated with Crohn's disease. Mineral oil works by lubricating the feces and intestinal lining while limiting the amount of water contained in a bowel movement.
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Tips & Warnings
If mineral oil is the laxative of choice, mix the appropriate dosage with orange juice to improve the taste and consistency. This is especially important if the Crohn's patient is a child.
Drink the recommended amount of water daily for your age and weight to increase the moisture in the intestinal tract.
Talk to your doctor before taking any laxatives to treat Crohn's disease. Many doctors consider laxatives too harsh.
Oral hyperosmotics can cause additional discomfort for Crohn's disease patients by increasing cramping and bloating.
Oral bulk formers can cause increased constipation if taken without adequate water.
Intestinal cramping or throat irritation can be a result of taking oral stool softeners as laxatives used to treat Crohn's disease.
Oral stimulants can cause adverse side effects such as diarrhea, nausea and fainting.
Patients with Crohn's disease should use rectal stimulants with caution. Rectal irritation from the laxative can add complications to an already painful disease.
Only your doctor can determine whether mineral oil is safe for you to use as a laxative.
