$Unique_ID{BRK00951}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Are Laxatives Not Being Made as Strong as They Used to Be?}
$Subject{constipation medication medications aging age aged Digestive colon
laxatives older old elderly elder geriatric diet fiber drink fluid exercise}
$Volume{T-12}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Are Laxatives Not Being Made as Strong as They Used to Be?


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QUESTION:  Although it seems to be worse lately, I have had to use a laxative
for most of my adult life to keep regular.  However, I think it has never been
as bad as now, and I wonder if my medicine isn't being made as strong as they
used to?  I am sure there are many others who would like a word from you about
caring for their constipation.

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ANSWER:  Your question is one that is asked quite frequently and so I am happy
to discuss it for you.  The word "constipation" has an interesting origin, in
that it comes from the Latin meaning "to crowd together".  More than $250
million is spent each year for laxatives in this country alone, so there must
be many people who feel they need help.  That may not always be so, for many
who use laxatives would normally have five to seven normal movements a week,
which is really all that is necessary to maintain health.  However as we grow
older our bodies do change the way they function, it is harder to move around
(which helps the process of digestion), and new diets may fail to contain
enough bulk.  When chronic and severe constipation is the complaint, a good
medical evaluation is necessary to determine if there are any underlying
medical problems that might yield to treatment.  However, many times a change
in diet, which adds additional fiber and encourages you to drink six to eight
glasses of fluid daily, may help remedy the situation.  If you can add a bit
of exercise, perhaps long daily walk, to your schedule of activity, you may
achieve your goals.  If your current laxatives seem less than effective, try
choosing one that is a bulk forming preparation that contains materials which
absorb water, forming a larger mass which can stimulate the bowel's actions.
Since there are many other types of laxatives, with different actions on your
system, your own physician is the best source of advice for you special
situation.  However, I don't think that they have reduced the amount of active
ingredients in your current medication.  It's just that you have been changing
bit by bit over all these years, and your needs are now different.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.