06 December,2010 06:26 AM IST | | Alisha Coelho
Doctors say that people have become more dependent on laxatives, leading to abuse
Potty problems are usually the stuff of jokes but humour aside, doctors are increasingly finding that stool problems are leading to laxative abuse among residents.
Dr Roy of Joy Hospital in Chembur said that he has been receiving more complaints of patients suffering from laxative abuse.
He said he had already conducted three surgeries over the weekend and had another three lined up for the week.
"The patients most affected by obstructed defecation (see box) are women who have had multiple births leading to the weakening of the muscles and are unable to pass stool.
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They take to laxatives to relieve themselves and get habituated," said Patankar. "Laxative abuse over a period of time can also lead to colon infections and liver damage," he added.
Most patients often resort to ayurvedic medication and laxatives.
"It's quite a common problem and while I don't think the incidence has increased, I certainly think more people are coming forward with the problem as it causes quite a change in their lifestyles," said Dr Viral Patrawala, gastroenterologist with L H Hiranandani Hospital in Powai.
Obstructive defecation affects all strata of society. "I have patients suffering from obstructed defecation belonging to upper-middle class families.
The problem is that these people use shower jets, which is almost like conducting an enema. This could be dangerous if not done properly," he added.
What is ODS?
Obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) is a form of chronic constipation that affects thousands of people. The symptoms of ODS include prolonged straining, incomplete elimination (not passing the entire stool), and a prolonged time to have a bowel movement.
