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These laxatives act by absorbing water and
swelling up, which softens the stool and stimulates the squeezing action of
the colon. This type of laxative may take 24-36 hours to work and so is not
considered to be suitable for fast treatment of acute constipation. They also
may not be effective in cases where the constipation is caused by a
disturbance of the nerves in the intestines or by any problem in the glands.
Bulking agents are usually difficult to swallow and so, to work properly, you
will need to drink plenty of liquids. This may be a concern for older
people/seniors with a reduced feeling for thirst or those with a restricted
fluid intake. Bulk-forming laxatives, especially insoluble fibre products,
have also been known to cause flatulence, which can be a source of
embarrassment for users. People with diabetes who are on a restricted diet may
need to take into account the carbohydrates in the laxative itself.
A recent review has shown that bulk forming laxatives can even be
counter-productive in severe chronic constipation, as increased dietary fibre
intake can make symptoms worse. If you have any concerns, you should seek the
advice of your healthcare professional, who will be able to advice you on what
the best treatment is. |
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>> What is normal?
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Daily? Several times a day? Or only a few times a week? Click here to read the answer to these important questions.
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