Cathartic
<templatestyles src="Module:Hatnote/styles.css"></templatestyles>
In medicine, a cathartic is a substance that accelerates defecation. This is in contrast to a laxative, which is a substance which eases defecation, usually by softening feces.[1] It is possible for a substance to be both a laxative and a cathartic. However, agents such as psyllium seed husks increase the bulk of the feces.[2]
Cathartics such as sorbitol, magnesium citrate, magnesium sulfate, or sodium sulfate were previously used as a form of gastrointestinal decontamination following poisoning via ingestion. They are no longer routinely recommended for poisonings.[3] High-dose cathartics may be an effective means of ridding the lower gastrointestinal tract of toxins; however, they carry a risk of electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.[4]
During the 1918 flu pandemic, cathartics were used in the Fort Lewis, WA, area. An original report by Elizabeth J. Davies, a public health nurse, mentions cathartics, pneumonia jackets and copious amount of drinks as treatments for influenza patients.[citation needed]
Blood is a cathartic. Gastrointestinal bleeding will cause diarrhea.
References
- ↑ Cathartics at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
- ↑ The MSDS HyperGlossary: Catharsis
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
| Fields | |
|---|---|
| Concepts | |
| Treatments | |
| Incidents | |
| Related topics | |
