Normal bowel movements are an indicator of health. Experts call stool retention for two or more days constipation or constipation. Frequent stressful situations, insufficient fluid intake, a sedentary lifestyle, taking certain medications - all this and much more can trigger the development of a pathological process.
In children, the causes may be related to intestinal immaturity, as well as the introduction of new foods to the diet. And sometimes the whole reason lies in nervous disorders from shocks, for example, separation from the mother. In a healthy person, the frequency of bowel movements depends on nutrition, lifestyle and existing habits.
Those who suffer from constipation often complain of a constant feeling of nausea, fatigue, bad taste in the mouth, decreased appetite, and bloating. Stool retention threatens the development of vitamin deficiency and anemia. This is due to poor absorption of nutrients due to constant use of laxatives.
Normal digestion is the result of a healthy diet, adequate fluid intake and a healthy lifestyle. But when constipation has already occurred, first the intestines should be helped to empty, and only then proceed to preventive measures.
Glycerin suppositories for constipation act quickly and effectively; they are approved for use at any age, from infants to the elderly. Despite the fact that suppositories do help with constipation, using them as self-medication is unacceptable.
Prescription of drugs is carried out by a qualified doctor. Before use, it is important to read the instructions and follow their instructions. So, how do glycerin suppositories work? Can they be used by pregnant women? These and many other questions will be answered in this article.
Instructions for use
Suppositories with glycerin are a laxative for topical use. Unlike medications for constipation, which are used orally, these suppositories act much faster. This is not only a highly effective, but also a safe remedy, since it acts directly in the problem area without spreading throughout the body.
The drug is a transparent soft suppository, which is sold at the pharmacy in ten pieces. The dosage is different for adults and children. The active component of the drug is glycerol. The active component softens fecal stones and stimulates peristalsis by irritating receptors in the intestinal mucosa.
Within 10–15 minutes after using Glycerin, a laxative effect will occur
How much do candles cost? Suppositories with an adult dosage can be purchased for 150–180 rubles. Children's suppositories are a little cheaper; the drug can be found for 120–150 rubles. The effect of glycerin is due to its ability to irritate the rectal mucosa, resulting in reflex stimulation of peristalsis.
If the stool becomes very hard, glycerin suppositories may not be effective. In this case, they can even cause harm, since dense feces can injure the mucous membrane of the anus.
How to use?
Suppositories should be stored in the refrigerator. Take them out a few minutes before using to allow them to come to room temperature. The instructions say that you should light a candle after breakfast, although if necessary, this can be done at any time of the day. The main thing is that you have the opportunity to go to the toilet later. The effect usually occurs within ten to twenty minutes.
Important! Don't forget that if you go to the toilet right away, only a candle will come out. Try to hold the suppository for as long as possible so that it better softens the stool.
The urge to defecate may also occur over the next few hours. For prolonged constipation, the use of two suppositories may be necessary. Also, the dosage may increase if the candle is used by a person with large weight. For newborns, the suppository is divided into two or even four parts.
You can use glycerin suppositories for constipation only once a day
Contraindications and side effects
There are restrictions in connection with the use of suppositories, these include:
- proctitis – inflammation of the rectum;
- neoplasms in the intestines;
- anal fissures;
- hypersensitivity to glycerol;
- acute hemorrhoids.
Important! You should not use the medicine before taking a stool test, as it may affect the results.
No side effects were observed with single use. Long-term and regular use is associated with the risk of the following unpleasant symptoms: irritation, burning sensation, and the intestines refuse to work on their own.
Glycerin acts as a lubricant for the inner surface of the intestines, allowing stool to pass out easily and painlessly
Constipation in pregnant women
Constipation in pregnant women is common and is explained by the early production of progesterone, a hormone that relaxes the muscles of the internal organs. This serves as a warning against uterine hypertonicity and premature birth. But a side effect of progesterone is a weakening of intestinal motility.
In later stages, constipation is due to the fact that the growing uterus puts pressure on the internal organs and causes disruption of their functioning. The answer to the question of whether it is possible to use suppositories during pregnancy can be answered unequivocally - yes! The period of bearing a child is not a contraindication to the use of glycerin suppositories. During a normal pregnancy, doctors may prescribe one suppository in the morning.
Caution never hurts, especially during pregnancy. Do not forget that active stimulation of intestinal contractions can cause premature birth. However, you should use suppositories with great caution in the early stages, when vital organs and systems are developing, or it is better to abandon them altogether. In exceptional cases, pregnant women are prescribed a children's dosage.
Can glycerin suppositories be used for children?
Quite often, candles are prescribed for children. However, it is a symptomatic treatment for constipation and is not used very often. Pediatricians recommend using these suppositories no more than once every 3 days.
Features of use in children:
- If your child often experiences constipation, then it is necessary to take a comprehensive approach to treating the problem, rather than eliminating the symptoms. The fact is that glycerol, which is part of glycerin suppositories, irritates the intestinal receptors.
- Over time, their sensitivity may decrease, which will lead to the fact that the intestines will not work on their own. This medicine should not be abused. This is a kind of emergency help.
- Many parents begin to get nervous when, after defecation, the child does not calm down, but on the contrary becomes even more anxious and cries. This happens to infants. It’s not a matter of gas, intestines or constipation, but some other reasons.
Baby candles
Constipation in a child
Stool retention in childhood can be associated with a large number of reasons: lack of body weight, insufficient physical activity, lack of fiber in food, lactose deficiency, rickets. Glycerin suppositories have a simple composition.
Apart from glycerin and acids, there are no other components in suppositories. Glycerol, in combination with other acids, has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and analgesic effects.
Glycerin suppositories are used for constipation in children, as they are a hypoallergenic remedy.
Long-term use of suppositories can cause irritation and inflammation of the rectum. Also, long-term use can be addictive, and then it will be difficult for the child to go to the toilet on his own without the use of suppositories.
Important! Glycerin suppositories can be used even by newborns, since they are not absorbed by the intestinal walls and do not enter the systemic bloodstream.
Introducing suppositories to newborns is a rather labor-intensive process. Children are mobile and may interfere with the administration of the suppository. Be sure to wash your hands before the procedure.
Bifidumbacterin for constipation in children
The child should be placed on his back with his legs tucked toward his stomach. Then, in a smooth motion, inject the product with the rounded end forward.
Then hold the legs in such a position so that the candle passes deeper through the rectum and dissolves well. If it is not possible to insert the suppository in the supine position, place the child on his side, bend his knees and press him to his stomach. Baby suppositories usually begin to work within twenty minutes.
Why don't glycerin suppositories help?
Causes:
- In order to eliminate the cause of constipation, it is necessary to give the child lactobacilli, as well as completely change the diet, and introduce more fruits, vegetables, cereals, and possibly foods that stimulate bowel movements into the diet. Such as beets or prunes, along with dried apricots.
- Many parents ask whether it is possible to use glycerin suppositories intended for adults in children? It is possible, but you just need to follow the dosage. The fact is that adult suppositories contain more glycerol, while children's suppositories contain much less. Therefore, you may have to divide an adult candle into 2 or even 4 parts, depending on the age of the child.
Laxatives
Glycerin suppositories are an emergency drug that helps eliminate pain in the rectum from constipation. But suppositories do not treat bowel dysfunction. If you experience frequent constipation, we advise you to adjust your diet and consult a doctor.
Analogs
Let's consider popular analogues of glycerin suppositories:
- Glycelax. Helps resolve isolated cases of constipation. The drug has an irritating effect on the rectal mucosa, causing a reflex activation of peristalsis. Glicex contains glycerol, which provides a laxative effect. The drug also acts like an ointment, moisturizing the sphincter area. This helps prevent pain during bowel movements.
- Glycerol. The active component of the drug, as in the previous case, is glycerol. The product has not only a laxative, but also a dermatoprotective and dehydrating effect. Doctors usually prescribe two suppositories twenty minutes after breakfast. Treatment is stopped after intestinal function has returned to normal.
- Microlax. Used to combat constipation in newborns. Microlax is used in the form of microenemas. This is a combination product that contains three active ingredients. Sodium citrate is necessary to dissolve hardened stool. Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate is a coating agent that prevents caking. Sorbitol enhances the therapeutic effect of the first two substances and facilitates the evacuation of feces.
- Duphalac. This is a lactulose-based laxative. Duphalac eliminates constipation by stimulating peristalsis and influencing the consistency of stool. Among other things, Duphalac is also a probiotic that stimulates the production of beneficial bacteria in the intestines and suppresses the growth of pathogenic microflora. The drug is used internally. The syrup can be consumed undiluted or diluted with water. Use the product once a day, preferably at the same time.
- Portalak. This is another lactulose-based laxative. Portalac normalizes the consistency of stool and promotes its rapid elimination. It is taken orally with food or immediately after breakfast. Portalac is prescribed even to children under one year old. Along with this, patients should drink plenty of natural water.
Glycerin suppositories can be used even for constipation in infants
What are glycerin suppositories used for?
It is worth noting that the active component of this product is glycerol, it is not toxic.
Action and application features:
- It has an irritating effect on the intestinal walls, stimulating its work, as well as the excretion of feces. It has a softening effect on feces, helping to make it softer and, accordingly, simplify its removal from the intestines.
- It is often prescribed for rectal fissures, after myocardial infarction, as well as in patients who, for some reason, cannot strain during bowel movements.
- Please note that there are a number of contraindications to the use of these suppositories. They are irritating and can cause a number of unpleasant sensations. This type of suppository cannot be used for hemorrhoids, as well as for various tumors, polyps, or after surgical interventions.
- That is, it is not recommended to use these suppositories in cases where they can provoke the development or exacerbation of a chronic disease.
- Regarding the possibility of use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is quite possible to do this. Because very often pregnant women, due to the high concentration of progestins in the blood, experience constipation and difficulty removing feces from the body. Accordingly, such candles will become a salvation for pregnant women.
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