Your body depends on specific nutrients to survive that are obtained from the food that you eat. Mechanical processes begin to break down this food so that our body can use it. Chemical processes break it down even further into molecules. These molecules are then absorbed through the intestine. The resulting waste in this digestive process is eliminated as a bowel movement. When this normal process slows down it can cause problems, including constipation. Stool softeners or laxatives can relieve these issues, but if you chose the wrong one, you could end up in a pretty crappy situation.
Finding the Difference
What is the difference between a stool softener and a laxative? How do you know which one will best relieve your symptoms? Can you use both to relieve your constipation?
Laxatives and stool softeners are alike in that they are both used to relieve symptoms of constipation, but that is where there likeness ends. Laxatives work by stimulating the intestines. Stool softeners work by softening the mass of stool itself. Both relieving constipation, but they attack the problem at different angles.
Different Forms Explained
There are various forms of laxatives. Bulk forming laxatives work by forming a mass that stimulates your bowels. These types of laxatives are not digested. Lactulose, saline, and polymer laxatives attract moisture to the bowel from tissue that surrounds it. This will create a soft but bulky stool that will stimulate bowel movement. Lubricant laxatives coat the colon’s inner lining. By doing this, the laxative prevents the colon from absorbing moisture which will make a stool easier to pass. Lastly, there are stimulant laxatives. These types of laxatives work directly at the colon wall. They stimulate muscle contraction causing the muscles to move the stool along its natural course.
Stool softeners are often categorized with laxatives. Using stool softeners will not make you have a bowel movement though. Rather, these cause the actual stool mass itself to soften and allow your body to naturally pass the bowel movement. Stool softeners are best used for people that should avoid straining when having a bowel movement. These are only meant to be used on a short term basis. The ingredients in a stool softener will not cause bowel wall irritation or stimulate a bowel movement. Stool softeners are also very helpful for those individuals that have heart conditions, have recently had rectal or pelvic surgery, or have birthed a child.
Precautions and Side Effects
Both laxatives and stool softeners are highly recommended to only be used on a short term basis. Prolonged use of either could cause complications. The side effects of long term use can range from simply nausea and gas, belching, cramping and diarrhea to more severe symptoms such as excessive thirst, difficulty swallowing, weakness and muscle cramping, itchy skin rashes, difficulty breathing, and even paralysis. Prolonged use of stool softeners and laxatives can also cause your GI tract to become dependent on the medication to produce a bowel movement.