Why misuse can lead to death
Although the problem is less serious for bulking agents such as Metamucil, misuse and abuse of laxatives can be damaging to your body. It causes numerous problems if misused, such as:
- Painful cramps
- Vomiting
- Increased constipation
- Dependence
-
Lazy bowel syndrome, when your digestive system cannot produce a bowel movement without the aid of laxatives.
- Hemorrhoids
Misuse can easily turn into abuse and addiction, which leads to often fatal, irreversible consequences. These consequences are:
- Severe dehydration, which sometimes can lead to death.
-
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
-
Ulcerated bowel
- Edema, where the body retains extra fluid because of the constant loss of fluid from laxative abuse. This can be sometimes painful.
- Bloody stool
-
Unpleasant odor
- Fainting and dizziness
- Loss of vital minerals
- Muscle cramps and spasms
- Permanent inability to expel or control bowel stools. Some people must wear a diaper for the rest of his/her life because of this.
- Kidney damage
- Irregular heartbeat
- Severe electrolyte imbalance. This can cause instant death at any time, and was responsible for
the death of Melissa Booth, a bulimic who died from a heart attack. The coroner contributes her death to her abuse of laxatives, along with her obsession with magazines.
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