Laxative Abuse
Description
A disorder when excessive amounts of laxatives are used. Laxatives are medications that help a patient have a bowel movement. These medications can be abuse and are usually taken to lose weight, or when an abnormal bowel pattern has developed. Serious blood chemistry abnormalities can occur. The bowel can also stop contracting on its own requiring the use of laxatives to function normally, this is called a "lazy colon".
Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, dehydration.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests will be done to measure the body's chemistry and identify any dehydration.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- UA
Treatment
Treatment includes: psychological counseling, reversal of any blood chemistry abnormalities, and intravenous fluids.
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