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NOTE : Constipation is define as have lesser than three gut movements per week(1 ) . About 41 to 81 % of individuals who take opioids for non - cancer and inveterate bother stand from constipation(2 ) .
What are Opioids?
Opioids are prescription medicine medications for pain and these can cause a specific contour of constipation , which is referred to as opioid - induced stultification ( OIC)(3 , 4 ) . Some of the pain medications that come under the class of opioid drug are : hydrocodone ( Zohydro ER ) ; oxycodone ( OxyContin ) ; morphia and codeine .
These are effective medications for pain relief as they behave by obstruct the pain signals by hold fast themselves to the receptors present in the skittish scheme . The bowels also have these receptors . When these opioids pain medications impound to the gut sense organ , it increases the continuance of the expiration of the stool through the gastrointestinal organization .
To find respite from opioid - have stultification , there are various medicine and natural home cure which can help .
Medications for Opioid-Induced Constipation consist of:
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medicines:
Stool Softenerssuch as docusate calcium ( Surfak ) and docusate ( Colace ) work by increase the measure of body of water in the colon , which makes passing of the stools well-off .
Stimulants , such as senna - sennosides ( Senokot ) and biscacodyl ( Ducodyl , Dulcolax ) increase the intestinal contractions and stir the gut activity thus give stand-in to opioid - induced constipation .
A suppository or enemacan be sneak in into the rectum which helps in softening the stools and stir the bowel apparent movement . However , there is a risk of rectal damage if it is not properly infix .
Osmoticshelp the fluid move via the colon and these consist of oral magnesium hydrated oxide and polythene glycol(5 ) .
A lubricant laxative which ismineral oilalso help in move the ordure through the colon and is available as an OTC alternative in rectal and oral form(6 ) .
Treating Opioid-Induced Constipation with Prescription Medications
Prescription medication , which is specifically for OIC help in treating the problem at its root . These medication puzzle out by stopping the consequence of opioids in the catgut thus allowing the stools to move easily . Some of the prescriptions approved for the treatment of opioid - rush constipation are : methylnaltrexone ( Relistor ) ; naloxegol ( Movantik ) ; naldemedine ( Symproic ) and lubiprostone ( Amitiza ) .
Note : The prescription drug medications for opioid - induced constipation can have side burden like : headache , nausea , vomiting , flatulency anddiarrhea .
Treatment of Opioid-Induced Constipation with Natural Remedies
There are some herbs and supplements that can help relieve opioid - induced constipation by induce the gut activity and these are :
Fiber Supplements : Fiber has a laxative effect as it increases assimilation of water in the El Salvadoran colon and this leads to formation of bulkier toilet and allows for them to pass easily(7 ) . Some of the fiber supplements that can be taken for opioid - have constipation are methylcellulose and fleawort .
Even though vulcanized fiber supplements are effective in relieving irregularity , there is a need for more enquiry to affirm their effectiveness in opioid - induced constipation . Along with these add-on , it is also crucial to drink peck of water as lack of fluid causes evaporation , which worsens opioid - induced constipation and can ensue in fecal impingement .
Note : Taking fiber supplements can reduce the absorption of certain medication likeaspirin . Always consult your doctor before pop on fibre supplement along with any prescription medicine .
Sennais a anthesis plant whose leaves have a laxative consequence and can be of benefit in opioid - induced deadening . A study done in 2014 showed that senna help with post - surgery opioid - induce impairment when it was have day by day for about six days(8 ) . Senna supplements are useable in the form of : tablet , capsules and Camellia sinensis .
Note : It is recommend to take Senna for a curt - term fundament , as its prospicient - terminal figure use can stimulate diarrhea which can then have electrolyte imbalance . This herb also carries the risk of exposure of bleeding when it is bring along with a blood thinner , such as warfarin .
Aloe verais also beneficial in relieving opioid - induced constipation . A field showed that rats that were given oral loperamide to induce constipation and which were then given aloe vera in for seven day showed that there was an advance in enteral motility and faecal book in these rats(9 ) . So , establish off this report , the laxative effect of aloe vera can help with drug - have irregularity in man too .
take down : Always consult your doctor before take aloe vera , as it can decrease the effectiveness of some medications like : anti - inflammatories ; cholesterol - frown drugs and hormonal drugs .
Find Relief from Opioid-Induced Constipation with these Lifestyle Modifications and Home Remedies
There are quite a few dwelling remedy that are helpful in better opioid - induced constipation and in managing its discomfort . Some of them are :
Drink hatful of fluids , as dehydration aggravate the constipation create it all the more difficult for the stool to pass . Along with booze 8 to 10 glasses of water in a day , one can also consume other fluids , such as juice , tea and decaf coffee .
Increase physical activityby indulging in regular exercise , as physical action helps in energize intestinal tract contractions and encourages bowel activity .
Consume more fibre , as this will naturally increase the bowel activity . Add more vegetable , fruits and whole grains in your dieting . Some of the fiber rich foods consist of : raisins , prunes , asparagus , apricots and beans .
Using oestrus or ice therapyhelps in managing the bloating andabdominal painfulness , which is a part and piece of ground of opioid - induce constipation .
Stop eat on trigger food , such as work and fatty nutrient that are hard to digest and can worsen opioid - induced irregularity .
Conclusion
Opioids are great for cut pain that has n’t responded to other pain medicine ; however , it also carries the peril of deadening . One can always test house remedies , modus vivendi change and OTC medications for rest . If opioid - induced constipation persists , then consult your doctor for prescription medication to treat it .
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