Here’s how experts treat itespecially if you already have tummy troubles.
Curious to know whether this is what’s happening to you?
What are the symptoms of overflow diarrhea?
This blockage results in liquid stools leaking around the blockage, Dr. Berookim says.
He notes that other symptomsbeyond diarrhea and constipationmay include the following:
What causes overflow diarrhea?
In most cases, overflow diarrhea is a symptom of another underlying health issue.
board-certified gastroenterologist at the Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California
Here’s a closer look at what some of those conditions may be.
Along with constipation and diarrhea, people with IBS will also typically experience gas and bloating.
Overflow diarrhea can develop when liquid stool leaks around the poop blockage, Dr. Berookim says.
Treating fecal impaction involves your healthcare provider removing the blockage, which can bedone in a few ways6.
Other options includeabdominal massageto loosen stool, laxatives, or surgery, in severe cases.
Food allergies
Food allergies can causeinflammation in the digestive tractresulting in diarrhea, Dr. Berookim says.
But this throw in of loose stool is often just regular diarrhea, not the overflow kind.
Heres Exactly How It Can Affect Your Poop
Keep a food diary to track your symptoms.
This can help you identify if a particular food is triggering your tummy troubles.
board-certified gastroenterologist at the Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California
Certain medications
The contents of your medicine cabinet might be the culprit of your overflow diarrhea.
Essentially, these medications make thenerves in your gut sleepy, thereby slowing things down in your GI tract.
With long-term use, this can lead to chronic constipation and overflow diarrhea, he adds.
But opioids arent the only offenders.
If you think your medication is messing with your gut, let your healthcare provider know.
Just be sure to talk to your provider before quitting your meds cold turkey.
While most rectal masses are benignthink, harmlesspolypsor fatty lumps calledlipomasothers can be cancerous.
Your provider will likely perform a physical exam and acolonoscopyto get a better look inside your intestines.
Are there any long-term complicationsof overflow diarrhea?
Unfortunately, if left untreated, there are some potential long-term complications of overflow diarrhea beyond just being uncomfortable.
They may recommend a few different routes to treat the GI condition, according to Dr. Berookim.
In severe cases, however, surgery to remove the blockage may be required.
Tips to prevent simultaneous constipation and diarrhea
The best way to prevent overflow diarrhea?
Getting chronic constipation under control.
So, don’t ignore your body’s signs!
Both require emergency life-saving medical care.
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