Edema is a condition caused by an excess of fluid trapped in your body tissues resulting in swelling. Typical reasons for this to emerge is excess salt consumption, premenstruation, pregnancy or sitting in one position for a long period. If you're taking laxatives, you may experience symptoms of edema as well, although this may indicate a dependency. Contact a physician immediately if symptoms persist or worsen.
Edema Symptoms
Although swelling can occur anywhere on the body, it typically appears in the hands, arms, feet, ankles and legs. Increased abdominal size, stretchy or shiny skin, or skin that retains a dimple after pressing for several seconds can also occur, MayoClinic.com reports. If these symptoms accompany shortness of breath, breathing problems or chest pain, you may be experience pulmonary edema, which requires immediate medical attention.
Laxatives
Laxatives are over-the-counter drugs used to relieve constipation and bowel irregularity. Laxatives are available in several forms, including bulk-forming, saline and stimulant laxatives, lubricants, stool softeners or a combination form. A common misconception is that laxatives can help you avoid weight gain, but this is not the case. Laxatives function at the end of the bowel after the body absorbs the majority of nutrients from food. These drugs mostly affect the absorption of electrolytes and water, Brown University Health Services says. When you abuse laxatives and regularly flush fluid from the body, your body responds by retaining water to avoid dehydration, characterized by edema.
Considerations
Edema is a common symptom of laxative withdrawal and can last from one to three weeks, although the fluid will eventually dissipate once you stop taking laxatives and resume a normal dietary schedule. If you suffer from an eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia, misusing laxatives can be particularly detrimental to your health and self-perception. Edema can put more stress on your vital organs, particularly the heart. A November 2009 article published in "The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics" also found that the weight gain associated with edema fluid retention negatively impacted the self-perception of anorexic patients in recovery.
Bottom Line
Developing edema while taking a laxative in accordance with the manufacturer's directions is unlikely. Typically, the frequent use of laxatives over an extended time period causes fluid retention and swelling. Additional dangers are imminent if you continue to misuse this medication, including chronic blood loss, impaired bowel function, dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. If you are not misusing laxatives and develop symptoms of edema, you should cease use altogether and seek medical attention as this may indicate an underlying health condition.
