Stool softeners are used as a short-term treatment to soften the stools and avoid straining in individuals with constipation or heart disease or those who have just had hemorrhoid or heart surgery. Stool softeners include Colace, Ducusate, Dialose and Doxinate. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding how to take these medications. Stool softeners should not be taken for longer than seven days without medical advice. They are available in liquid or syrup and tablet or capsule forms.
Constipation
Stool softeners will benefit individuals experiencing constipation. This condition is considered a symptom and not a disease. It causes straining and discomfort in the passing of stools and is very common in the elderly and among women, according to GettingRidofThings.com. Constipation affects the elderly due to their lack of mobility and exercise. Medications like Colase and Ducusate work to moisten and soften the stools. This prevents straining and makes the elimination process easier and less uncomfortable.
Postoperative Constipation
Constipation is a common complaint in patients who have had abdominal surgery or a hemorrhoidectomy. Adequate fluid intake and early ambulation during the postoperative period will improve circulation and help to stimulate the bowels. Stool softeners will benefit these patients by moistening and softening the stool to ease the straining and discomfort and pain during bowel movements. Patients who have had heart surgery or those with heart disease, as well as women who have just given birth, can also benefit from the use of stool softeners.
Fecal Impaction
Patients who are confined to bed or those with severe disease of the nervous system may develop fecal impaction. Fecal impaction is a large, dry mass of hard stool that can develop in the rectum as a result of chronic constipation, according to MedlinePlus. This hard mass may be very difficult to pass from the body. Symptoms of this condition may include abdominal cramping, frequent straining along with the passing of liquid stool and rectal bleeding. Treatment of this condition requires manual removal of the impaction, followed by the use of a stool softener to avoid future constipation and fecal impaction.
