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Can the wipes used for constipation cause cancer in me?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At September 27, 2022
Reviewed AtOctober 12, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello,

I am a 25-year-old female suffering from constipation. I have been using alcohol disinfectant wipes thrice daily, and now I am concerned about whether it could lead to cancer as these wipes are carcinogenic. Also, could this be a cause for my constipation?

Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query.

I believe the wipes you are using contain alcohol and a compound called dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. Also known as quaternary ammonia compounds. A few studies reveal infertility and congenital disabilities in mice. However, I do not believe you are at risk for cancer from them. As far as your constipation, please answer the following questions.

  1. Since how long have you had this problem?
  2. Are you having less than three bowel movements per week?
  3. Do you strain, are the stools hard, and is there a sense of obstruction or feeling of incomplete evacuation?
  4. Was any bleeding observed?
  5. Is there a family history of inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer?
  6. Are you taking any medication? Some medicine can have constipation as a side effect.
  7. Have you lost weight recently?

I suggest you to consult a specialist and talk to them for a better understanding.

I hope this has helped you. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

Here are my answers to your questions.

  1. I have had constipation for the past one and half years.
  2. I have about three to four bowel movements per week.
  3. No blood or strain.
  4. No family history of bowel disease or colon cancer.
  5. I am currently taking birth control, but I consulted my doctor, who said it could not cause constipation.
  6. I sometimes go four or five days in a row without being able to have a bowel movement.
  7. I have not lost any weight recently.
  8. Also, I tried Miralax and stool softeners, but they do not seem to help much.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your reply. The wipes should not be a concern for you. I would suggest washing your hands after use. Regarding constipation, it is essential to realize that daily bowel movement are not required for good health. In the absence of abdominal pain or cramping, irritable bowel syndrome is unlikely. Some individuals underestimate bowel frequency, and a 2-week diary can be helpful in the assessment of chronic constipation. Also, it can be the initial sign of some conditions, such as diabetes or hypothyroidism.

Concurrent life stressors can also be contributory. Therefore, it is important to increase your daily fluids and increase your dietary fiber intake. Additional testing is suggested if these conservative measures do not help.

Therefore, I suggest you to consult a specialist.

I hope this has helped you. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Clinton Leinweber
Dr. Clinton Leinweber

Osteopathy Specialist

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