4 min
Topic:
We all experience constipation and diarrhea from time to time. That’s a fact, even if social conventions mean tummy troubles might not be in the top tier of conversation topics when we hang out with our friends. While bowel movements tend to be something we keep private in most cases, our own personal Dirty Little Secret, they play an integral role in maintaining healthy, full lives.
Constipation and diarrhea may be at opposite ends of the bowel movement spectrum. But is there a connection between the two?
In this article we discuss the definitions of both constipation and diarrhea, the possible associations between the two, and some suggestions on how to manage them.
Constipation can leave you feeling very bunged up, causing severe levels of discomfort that you might be embarrassed to talk about. But there's nothing shameful about it. It’s estimated that 15% of the global population experiences constipation, and the medical community is always searching for new ways to help you manage it.1
Normal pooping patterns are challenging to define. The frequency of bowel movements in most people ranges from one bowel movement every three days to three bowel movements per day 2, which is a pretty wide range! As a general rule, if you go less than three times per week, you could be constipated, but bowel movements vary widely between individuals, as well as the subjective perception of what constitutes “normal”.
Symptoms of constipation include abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, nausea, and even headaches and fatigue.2 Healthcare professionals use standardized diagnostic criteria to diagnose all types of illnesses and conditions.1 Rome’s IV is the diagnostic tool that defines constipation. Two of six signs and symptoms must be present for a doctor to diagnose constipation. The six signs and symptoms are:1
Getting to the root cause of your constipation isn't always easy. That's because there are so many things that have the potential to lead to a blockage or slowing down of your bowel movements.
Several factors can trigger constipation, including:
With its increasingly hectic pace, modern life may also increase our risk of adopting these unhealthy habits, which can in turn negatively affect our digestive systems as well.4
So, this leads us to the important question; is constipation manageable? The answer, thankfully, is yes.
Let’s explore a few options.
The following are some ways in which people can manage their occasional constipation:
If these do not provide relief, there are alternatives, such as laxatives, which are safe, effective, and, depending on the laxative selected, may provide quick results. Dulcolax is one example of a provider of safe and gentle on your stomach laxatives.
See a full range of Dulcolax products here, including tablets, suppositories, liquid and chews.
Learn more about the different types of laxatives here.
Diarrhea refers to a condition in which stool weighs more than 7 ounces per day. A patient with diarrhea will generally describe stool that is too abundant, too frequent, too soft, urgent, and challenging to retain.6
Acute diarrhea is diarrhea that lasts less than two weeks. A persistent diarrheal illness usually lasts between two and four weeks. It is considered chronic diarrhea when it persists for more than four weeks.7
Multiple factors can lead to acute diarrhea, so determining the cause is crucial. Here are the more common ones:
Chronic diarrhea also has multiple causes, which includes celiac and Crohn’s disease, parasitic intestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome. If you're experiencing chronic diarrhea, it's important to speak to your doctor or other healthcare professional .7
Acute diarrhea usually resolves with simple dietary changes. You should consult a doctor if you feel ill, have bloody diarrhea, intense abdominal pain, or have diarrhea that persists for more than 48 hours.
You may need blood tests if you have severe diarrhea to determine if you need to replace fluids, electrolytes, and minerals, such as magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
Your doctor will order several tests if you have chronic diarrhea to determine the cause and possible complications.7
What does it mean to be constipated and then have diarrhea? While it may seem counterintuitive, it’s possible to have diarrhea after constipation. If you’re suffering from constipation then diarrhea, here are some possible causes.
Overflow diarrhea can be triggered by severe constipation because the internal anal sphincter relaxes, allowing the stool contents to pass through. Patients often describe their symptoms as diarrheal due to the appearance of liquid stool.8
Overflow diarrhea, also known as paradoxical diarrhea, occurs when stool seeps from around an intestinal impaction. Chronic constipation is typically associated with this condition.9
Several conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can manifest with alternating diarrhea and constipation, making it critical to see a physician for a complete diagnosis.10
If laxatives, enemas, suppositories, fiber supplements, and hydration do not work, manual disimpaction of stool may be required to prevent overflow diarrhea.8 Disimpaction is where a doctor or healthcare professional inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to break up the hardened stool. 15
First off, remember that you’re not alone. Diarrhea and constipation are conditions that can affect anyone and you should not feel embarrassed to discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist. Several safe and effective protocols exist for the management of both diarrhea and constipation.
For occasional constipation, see a full range of Dulcolax products here, including tablets, suppositories, liquid and chews.
Monitor your bowel movements for any unusual changes and take a proactive approach to caring for your digestive system, so that you can participate in all life has to offer with greater energy and enthusiasm.
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)