What is the difference between stool softener and laxative?

Are you having trouble in the bathroom? Do you feel like your bowels are conspiring against you? If so, don’t worry. You’re not alone! Many people suffer from constipation or hard stools at some point in their lives.

To combat these bowel battles, there are two main products on the market: stool softeners and laxatives. But what’s the difference between them? And which one is right for you?

Let’s dive into this shitty subject!

The Basics

Both stool softeners and laxatives are designed to help ease constipation. They both make it easier to pass stools by increasing water content in your intestines or adding bulk to help things along.

But here’s where they differ:

Stool Softeners

Stool softeners work by drawing water into your colon. This makes your stools softer and easier to pass without straining.

They usually take effect within 12-72 hours, depending on how severe your symptoms are.

Stool softeners come in a variety of forms such as glycerin suppositories, docusate sodium pills (brand name Colace), or liquid solutions like MiraLAX.

Laxatives

Laxatives work differently than stool softeners; they stimulate bowel movements directly through chemical irritation of intestinal tissues; this will cause sudden contractions that move fecal matter out with more force.

There are many types of laxatives on the market including stimulants (such as senna), saline solutions (like Epsom salt), fiber supplements (Metamucil) , herbal remedies like cascara sagrada extract capsules sold under brand names Senokot-S^® .

Got all that? Good – now let’s get down and dirty!

Usage Scenarios

So when should we use each product? Well, there are a variety of scenarios.

Stool Softeners

Stool softeners are ideal for those who experience occasional constipation, have health conditions that make passing stools painful (e.g., hemorrhoids), or who wish to avoid strain from straining in general.

It’s also safe to use stool softeners during pregnancy and after childbirth.

A stool softener may be used for long periods since they do not irritate the intestines; therefore it doesn’t cause dependence or any significant side effects like other bowel movement aids.

Laxatives

Laxatives should be used occasionally since their harshness can damage intestinal tissues when taken too much/too often.

That being said, if you haven’t had a bowel movement in three days, then you might want to consider taking some serious action. In this case, a laxative would be appropriate because it works more quickly than using stool softeners alone (←  how’s that sentence for dramatic effect?) 🙂

Overall — hooray! Both products will help relieve your symptoms – ItJustDepends ™

Safety Precautions

As with most things in life, even POO PRODUCTS, there are risks involved when using these medications. However, adverse reactions only happen rarely under certain circumstances:

• Individuals allergic/hypersensitive/resistant toward the forms active ingredients and/or additives
• Pregnant women; consult before use.
• People with liver disease or chronic digestive disorders such as inflammatory issues should consult a healthcare provider before using any medication affecting bowel function.
• Children younger than two years old should never take anything without consulting with pediatrician first
• Special cautionary measures must handle elderly people (like our sweet grandma) because medicines requiring physical dexterity can cause falls resulting broken bones etc..

Now I will reflect on my mortality …deep breath

Side Effects

Yes yes we hear you loud and clear! You want to know if there’s any downside to using stool softeners and laxatives?

Well, surprisingly, every medication comes with its possible side effects, including these two.

Common VS. Serious Discomfort

Common side effects include abdominal discomfort (cramping, bloating), urgency/diarrhea(not the juicy kind though) , while serious ones (duality of language exhibited here) are uncommon or would require significant medical follow-up; they vary depending on the type of product you use.

Below is a handy dandy chart to help separate common from rare/serious situations:

Stool Softener Side Effects	Laxative Side Effects
Abdominal discomfort	Abdominal pain/cramps
Diarrhea	Severe GI inflammation such as colitis worsening in Crohn’s’s disease ) .
Rash    Itching swelling On skin ##itchzybuttalert##»>

As always, please consult your physician if you experience any adverse reactions that concern you.

Conclusion

So now ya learnted all about poop pills! Yay yay!

In summary: both products work equally well for constipation. Stool softeners gently hydrate stools without irritating intestines but take longer effect times compared to Laxatives which create more relaxing stools within hours by strong irritation of terrys[?]. Both have safe methods for taking them depending on age body-weight etc..

Remember guys: Stay regular out there!!