What Are The Symptoms Of Fecal Impaction With Overflow Diarrhea
- Difficulty in having a bowel movement
- Infrequent bowel movements fewer than 3 a week and often a lot less
- Back pain
- Explosive diarrhea or leaking diarrhea that you cannot control
- Feeling dizzy, sweating
- A racing heart
- Confusion
You may not have all these symptoms but long periods of constipation followed by diarrhea point to overflow diarrhea / bypass diarrhea with the need for constipation treatment.
What Causes Bladder Problems
Lots of illness and treatments can affect the way your bladder works. Bladder problems can be caused by:;
- illness for example cancer, neurological conditions and damage to the nerves that supply the bladder
- treatments for your illness such as surgery or medications
- another condition that you have had for a long time
- untreated constipation
- infection.;
Ulcerative Colitis Constipation: Tips For Relief
Constipation may be a problem for you if you have ulcerative colitis , an inflammatory bowel disease . According to one study on individuals with ulcerative colitis, nearly half experienced proximal constipation. Proximal constipation refers to constipation that occurs alongside other abdominal symptoms, including abdominal pain, cramping, and the feeling that the bowels have not been completely emptied .
In some cases, UC only affects one side of the colon . Research has shown that people with this form of UC are more likely to experience constipation as a symptom. If you experience constipation with ulcerative colitis, there are several ways you can manage it, at home and with your doctors help.
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Causes Of Fecal Impaction
Some people who have constipation may take medication, called laxatives, to try to go to the bathroom. Some types of laxatives are safe to use long-term but others can cause dependence. That means that eventually, with long-term use of some laxatives, the body is unable to have a bowel movement without them.
Fiber supplements and osmotic laxatives are usually safe for long-term use.
Stimulant laxatives, which work by increasing the movements of the muscles in the intestine, or stool softeners which work by causing more water to be drawn into the intestine, are not usually recommended for long-term use. When a laxative is stopped, it can cause the constipation to return or to get worse.
Fecal impaction is a significant problem for older adults, especially those that are in care facilities. Pain medication such as opioids can contribute to the development of constipation because they slow down the action of the bowel. Being unable to move around, such as being bedridden, can also contribute to constipation.
Is It Possible To Have Both Constipation And Diarrhea At The Same Time
From a quick Google it seems that this is possible at least in an alternating fashion, but I’m curious about whether both symptoms can occur simultaneously. For example, a hard difficult-to-pass stool accompanied by liquid. If so, what conditions make this possible?
- ;Carey GregoryDec 31 ’19 at 0:11
Yes, constipation and diarrhea can occur simultaneously – the situation is called paradoxical or overflow diarrhea.
Paradoxical diarrhea or overflow incontinence may occur is a a person who has chronic constipation. In paradoxical diarrhea, stool fills the rectum, hardens and becomes impacted. Liquid stool leaks around the fecal mass, imitating incontinence.
First, severe constipation with formation of a hard fecal mass develops in the rectum or higher in the colon. Later, when the new liquid feces reaches the hard fecal mass, it passes around it and is quickly excreted as diarrhea.
Causes of chronic constipation that can lead to fecal impaction:
- Diet low in fiber
- Medications: certain antidepressants, antihistamines, antacids, opiates and iron supplements
- Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome
- Diseases: diabetes mellitus, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal injury, Hirschsprung’s disease
- Structural abnormalities of the colon, for example, in diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease or colon cancer
- Instrinsic neurological intestinal problems: slow transit constipation, anismus
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Kristen Suffers With Chronic Constipation
Youll most likely experience constipation at least once in your life. However, for Kristen, it was chronic one bowel movement per day was the maximum and two or three for the entire week was much more common. Her condition fit the definition of chronic constipation perfectly.
Chronic constipation means a person generally has less than three stools per week lasting for several months, Dr. Sachdev says. This condition affects 15 to 20 percent of the population. Common causes of chronic constipation include hypothyroidism and prescribed medications including pain medications and certain blood pressure medications. Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation is a common problem, too. Blockages in the colon due to colon cancer or another benign condition can also cause decreased stool frequency.
As Kristins gotten older, her constipation has gotten worse. She often feels bloated and has stomach aches. She constantly deals with low-grade abdominal pain and is uncomfortable and lethargic because of it. Sometimes, she even finds blood in her stool.
I dont know if its because my colon has slowed down as Ive aged, or if its related to perimenopause, Kristen says. Ive been wondering if now that Im in my 40s its a pelvic floor disorder thats causing my constipation.
When it comes to the home remedies, Kristen says shes tried everything.
For Kristen, it doesnt end there. She had a colonoscopy and had a benign polyp removed, but the benefits didnt last long.
Constipation And Diarrhea Prevention
Constipation followed by diarrhea;is no fun. Wouldn’t it be great to keep them from happening in the first place? This really isn’t all that difficult. Here is the plan of action I follow:
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How Do We Translate Bowel Symptoms In A Meaningful Way
Constipation is a cluster of symptoms which can mean having infrequent stools of any kind. Constipation is commonly described by the passing of hard pellet-like stools.
This can also include bowel movements that happen less often, or three or fewer times in a week. People often have difficulty or straining when passing a BM, feel unable to completely empty during a BM, or they feel that they need to go but are not able to have a BM. The rectum is the final section of the large intestine where BMs are stored before being emptied.
Diarrhea is defined as loose, watery, or frequent bowel movements. Everyone has had experience with diarrhea, the passage of liquid stools. For most people, it is a symptom that lasts for a couple days, then resolves suddenly, typically within one week. These acute episodes usually are due to infections resulting from consuming contaminated food or drink. The average American has an episode of acute diarrhea every few years. For other people, diarrhea may be a more chronic problem, occurring for months to years. About 5% of the population has diarrhea lasting more than a month in any year
So, while it may seem strange to have constipated diarrhea, it is not that uncommon. If you have loose stools, but also have difficulty having a BM or feel you have trouble completely emptying, then it makes sense.
Home Remedies For Constipation After Diarrhea
1. Drink Enough Fluid
The dehydration caused by diarrhea is best treated with oral rehydration solution , which contains the crucial minerals and electrolytes as well as the necessary fluids your body requires after becoming dehydrated. You need to continue taking the ORS after the diarrhea has ended and increase your water intake between ORS drinks in order to fully treat the dehydration. This will also provide bulk to your stool and help prevent you becoming constipated after diarrhea.
2. Adjust Your Eating Patterns
Doctors advise that you continue eating solid foods during the diarrheal episodes, even if you have lost some of your appetite. Try to keep to your regular eating patterns, but avoid alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods if you can. Choose bland but balanced meals. However, if you are also vomiting when you have diarrhea, you will need to avoid solid foods for a while.
3. Try Probiotics
The normal intestinal flora in your bowel consist of a mixture of different types of bacteria, which have a role in maintaining bowel health. However, diarrhea can disturb this balance by affecting the microbial population. Even after the diarrhea, it can take a while for the normal intestinal flora to be restored, and some people may suffer continuous digestive symptoms. Probiotic yoghurts, containing bacteria such as Lactobacilli and Saccharomyces boulardii can help replenish the normal bowel flora and may relieve any subsequent constipation.
4. Stop Taking Certain Medications
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What Exactly Is Constipation
You have constipation if you have fewer than three bowel movements a week. Occasional constipation happens to many people, but your constipation is considered chronic if you’re constipated for several weeks or longer.
A medical study conducted in Ireland found that only 76% of patients had digestive symptoms at the time of their celiac disease diagnosis, including 56% with diarrhea and about 15% with constipation. One-third of the total group had abdominal pain. Another study found constipation in about 10% of children ultimately diagnosed with celiac disease.
As that study shows,;you don’t even need to have gastrointestinal symptoms to have celiac diseaseabout one-quarter of people didn’t. While constipation was less common than diarrhea , it wasn’t particularly uncommon. Plenty of people had it.
A large Italian study of digestive and non-digestive celiac disease symptoms at the time of diagnosis found that 13% of people had constipation, 15% had alternating constipation and diarrhea, and 27% had so-called “classic” diarrhea. Other digestive symptoms found in that study included: bloating , mouth sores , and reflux .
Dietary And Lifestyle Modifications
The bowel responds to how and when a person eats, so it is important to eat regular, well-balanced, moderately sized meals rather than erratic, variable meals. Occasionally, IBS symptoms improve by allowing sufficient time for regular eating and bathroom routines. In addition, maintaining a healthy sleep schedule and getting a moderate amount of exercise can help reduce symptoms.
Some individuals report that dietary fats and the food additive monosodium glutamate trigger symptoms. Some find symptoms worsen when consuming large quantities of liquids with meals. Others find that cooking vegetables and fruits lessens IBS symptoms, compared to when eating them raw. Those with IBS might need to avoid or decrease consumption of GI stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, particularly if the predominant symptom is diarrhea.
Having IBS does not necessarily mean you produce more gas, but your intestines might be highly sensitive to the passage of gas. Reducing the ingestion of air, which is the major source of intestinal gas, and avoiding large quantities of gas-producing foods can help. To decrease swallowed air, avoid chewing gum, gulping food, drinking carbonated beverages, washing food down with liquids, and sipping hot drinks. Poor-fitting dentures, a chronic postnasal discharge, chronic pain, anxiety, or tension may also contribute to increased air swallowing.
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How Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treated
There’s no cure for IBS. But there are ways to take control of IBS symptoms.
Doctors often recommend:
- Diet changes. Some people with IBS find that careful eating helps ease or stop IBS symptoms. You might try avoiding very large meals, drinks with caffeine, spicy or fatty foods, chocolate, some dairy products, and foods that contain gluten. Some people find that adding fiber eating more fruits and vegetables, for instance and drinking more water can help stop IBS symptoms too. Also try eating regular meals, avoiding on-the-run eating, and paying attention to good nutrition.
- Lifestyle changes. If you have IBS that appears related to stress, you might want to make some changes. Consider ways to manage daily pressures, such as schoolwork, and make time for activities you enjoy. This might mean reducing stress by talking over problems with a school counselor or a therapist. Be sure to get enough sleep and exercise. Your doctor might recommend some stress-reduction techniques, like breathing exercises. Research also shows that hypnotherapy may help in managing IBS.
- Medicines. Doctors sometimes prescribe medicines to treat diarrhea, constipation, or cramps. Antidepressants may help some people with pain management and depression. Talk with your doctor before you try any over-the-counter medicines for diarrhea, constipation, cramps, or other digestive problems.
Understanding The Digestive System
The way we nourish our bodies and get the fuel to function is by eating. However, our bodies cant easily turn food into a form that can be used by our cells. Thats where the digestive system comes in. The digestive system begins in the mouth and continues on through the body from the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, to the anus, where stool leaves the body.;
Digestion begins in the mouth, where food is chewed. There are enzymes in saliva that help start the break down of food thats continued through the digestive tract. Chewed food is swallowed and moves down the throat into the stomach.
In the stomach, food is broken down further with the digestive juices and with the stomach muscles that mix everything together. Once the stomach has done its work, food moves into the small intestine. There, more digestive juices are added to the mix. Nutrients are absorbed from the food at this point so that they can be used in the body.;
Whats left after food passes through the small intestine and vitamins and minerals are absorbed next goes into the large intestine. The large intestine is where the water is absorbed from the stool and it becomes thicker.
The stool then reaches the rectum, where it is held until the body has an urge to have a bowel movement. During a bowel movement, the stool is passed out of the body through the rectum.
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Diagnosing Irritable Bowel Syndrome In Children
Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition in which contractions, or movements, in the muscular walls of the large intestinean organ that moves digested food into the rectumare either too strong or too weak, causing a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. The condition, commonly called IBS, tends to affect people younger than age 45, including babies and children, and is more common in girls.
The main symptoms of IBS are changes in bowel habits along with abdominal pain or cramping that goes away after having a bowel movement. For instance, a child with IBS may develop either constipation, in which stool becomes hard and dry, or diarrhea, which causes loose, wet stools. Some children experience alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation.
Other symptoms of IBS in children include bloating, nausea, and vomiting, or a backflow of stomach acids known as reflux. Most people experience some of these symptoms on occasion, but children with IBS have them for three months or longer.
Experts dont know for sure why some children get IBS. However, children with IBS often experience symptoms after eating certain foods or during stressful moments. Children with a family history of IBS have a higher risk of developing the condition. IBS can also be triggered by viral and bacterial infections in the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria in the intestine.
A Change In Bowel Habits Might Not Be Normal: Constipation And Diarrhea
What does a change in bowel habits mean? It may not seem like a big deal, but it can be something worth keeping track of and bringing up to your doctor. Most people will experience;constipation or diarrhea at some point, and while some cases may be able to be fixed at home, other more serious cases may require medical attention.;
If you suffer from constipation, have diarrhea, or wonder if these issues are becoming chronic issues, read more to find out what they could mean and what to do about them.
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Why Is My Dog Constipated And Other Gastrointestinal Questions
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“What defines constipation?” and “Why is my dog constipated?” are questions frequently asked by pet owners. On the opposite end of the gastrointestinal spectrum lies diarrhea, which can also be perplexing since it can have many underlying causes. Both of these GI issues in dogs can cause lethargy, bloating and extreme discomfort. Although providing your dog with nutritionally balanced food and avoiding dietary indiscretions can minimize GI upset, constipation and diarrhea are common conditions pet parents should be aware of and know when its time to see the the vet. Your vet can help identify the cause of your dogs constipation and the best way to manage it.
Constipation Prevention Is Better Than Constipation Treatment
As with most things prevention is better than cure and it is important to try and prevent constipation happening in the first place. This is especially important for children and the elderly.
If constipation does happen, do not leave it before seeking help because chronic constipation can lead to impaction. If this happens it can be difficult to sort out and if left too long the signals to the bowel will get weaker and weaker making the problem worse.;
How to Prevent Constipation
Check with your pharmacist whether your medication could be causing your constipation.
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