$Unique_ID{BRK01238}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{On Prescribing a Purge}
$Subject{laxative purge}
$Volume{I-12}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


On Prescribing a Purge


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QUESTION:  With all the medicines available today, there is still nothing as
good for a person as a good cleaning out.  When I was younger it was not
infrequent that our own doctor would prescribe a purge, that soon put things
to right.  I don't know of any doctor in my area today that knows about this,
and sometimes wish these younger fellows would take a lesson or two from their
elders.  Perhaps many conditions that have no treatments today could be cured.

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ANSWER:  You are advocating some pretty strong medicine, that may have no
beneficial effects at all to the sufferer.  We have learned a great deal since
those days when physicians, just like patients, believed that the inside of
the "bowel" (meant to include the entire digestive system) was filled with
dirty and poisonous material.  Daily movements were required to keep the
system "clean" and constipation was a serious situation.  Castor oil, and
Epsom salts were administered in huge doses to obtain the desired effects.
The intestine was stimulated, causing forceful contractions to push out all of
the contents, and frequently provoked more harm than good.  We now have a more
restrained view of bowel functions, and while daily regularity is a comforting
thing, it is no longer considered a must.  A good diet rich in fiber can often
be all that is necessary to keep a person's bowels in order.  It is far more
important that the our systems function in a normal and timely way, rather
than in the unnatural fashion provoked by excessive stimulants.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
