Risks of overdosing on laxatives

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Question
Did you use laxatives yesterday and then had loose stools today and yesterday. My stomach often boils, my back hurts a bit, I don't lose weight suddenly, I don't have a fever, I don't feel tired, I don't lose sleep, I want to drink water, I don't want to eat much. Did the doctor tell you that you have a digestive disorder? Should laxatives be stopped? How should I eat? I would like to thank.
Quynh Chi (2001)
Answer
Thank you for Quynh Chi's question, I would like to answer your question as follows:
If you use laxatives and have loose stools, it may be because you use too much required dose of laxative. And the feeling of bloating is due to the increased bowel movements that laxatives cause. The feeling of wanting to drink water may be because the child loses a lot of water through the stool, so the body needs a thirst-quenching mechanism to compensate for the lost water. In this case you need to STOP the laxative right away because otherwise you will continue to have loose stools, your body will continue to lose water, and you may need fluids to replace the lost water (if the amount of water you drink not enough to replace the water lost through the stool).
If you stop taking the medicine and still have loose stools, you can drink Smecta to stop it quickly. And if after stopping taking laxatives and combining with taking Smecta 3-4 packs, the condition of loose bowel movements still does not improve, you should see a doctor to prevent other causes of loose diarrhea. My diet is the same as usual, drinking lots of water to make up for the lost water. Eat more fruits to promote health and limit foods high in fat.
The last issue is that you tell why you have to take laxatives, what laxatives you have used and how long you have been taking them. If you are constipated, maybe you just need to change your diet (eating lots of fiber, fruits, drinking lots of water) can still treat constipation without taking medicine.
Wish you always healthy!
MSc Vu Tan Phuc - Gastroenterologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital