in the presence of intestinal obstruction laxative use may cause perforation
the abuse of laxatives may cause:
melanosis coli seen on sigmoidoscopy
colonic atony (cathartic colon) may result and cause constipation and lead to more laxative abuse
cathartic colon syndrome is a serious entity, involving loss of normal colonic peristalsis because of long-term habituation to stimulant laxatives. The result is a dilated, atonic colon, which is incapable of propagating faecal material, typically defined on the basis of radiologic findings (1)
changes arise from inflammation of the mucosa, alterations in muscular layers of the colon, and degeneration of the myenteric and Auerbach's nerve plexi caused by a direct toxic effect from the stimulant laxative
hypersensitivity reactions - uncommon
liquid paraffin:
should not be used
causes leakage of parafin around stool resulting in incontinence
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