Laxative Abuse - What are the Health Risks?

Evaluating Risk Factors: Laxative Abuse

Evaluating your likely current (and near future) state of health means taking into account the risk factors — such as strong laxative use — that affect you. Our medical diagnosis tool, The Analyst™, identifies major risk factors by asking the right questions.

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If you indicate using laxatives regularly, The Analyst™ will ask further questions including this one:

On average, how often do you use over-the-counter herbal / chemical agents as a stimulant laxative/cathartic? Stimulant laxatives include aloe, Senna, cascara, castor oil, Fleet Laxative (Bisacodyl) and others.

Possible responses:

→ Never / don't know
→ Less than once per week
→ 1-4 times per week
→ Approximately daily
→ More than once daily

The Diagnostic Process

Based on your response to this question, which may indicate infrequent use of strong laxatives, regular use of strong laxatives, daily use of strong laxatives or abuse of strong laxatives, The Analyst™ will use differential diagnosis to consider possibilities such as:

Laxative/Enema Overuse

Laxative/Enema Overuse also suggests the following possibilities:

Potassium Need

Potassium loss can occur in cases of laxative or enema overuse.

Concerned or curious about your health? Try The Analyst™