It happens when you are constipated and water accumulates behind the blockage.
The mounting pressure causes the fluids to leak out.
Paradoxical diarrhea looks a lot like regular diarrhea, often happening suddenly and explosively.
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It can also cause abdominal pain, cramping, and rectal pain or bleeding.
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Symptoms
Paradoxical diarrhea may begin after a few days ofconstipation.
IBS
One condition for which constipation anddiarrheaare characteristic ismixed-bang out irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-M).
IBS-M can be persistent or occur in episodes.
Laxatives
The chronic use of medications that cause constipation can lead to fecal impaction.
At the same time,laxativesused to relieve constipation can also contribute to fecal impaction if overused.
The overuse of certain laxatives, particularlystimulant laxatives, can lead tolaxative dependence.
This happens when you have to take more and more of the drug to get the desired effect.
Non-stimulant laxatives and bulk-forming laxatives are safer for long-term use, provided they are used correctly.
These include:
Stimulant laxatives and stool softeners aren’t recommended for long-term use.
Encopresishappens when children have bathroom accidents and soil their underwear.
It triggers when impacted stools cause liquids to seep around the stool, staining underwear.
They can work with you to find safe and effective treatments.
Travel and stress can also cause some people to become constipated.
This can lead to the loss of bowel control, also known asfecal incontinence.
This is usually reserved for people who develop peritonitis or perforation of the bowel.
Prevention
you might prevent paradoxical diarrhea by avoiding constipation.
This may mean making key dietary and lifestyle changes.
Drinking more water can help keep your stools soft.
These draw water into stools to keep them soft so they can pass easily.
Exercise also helps by encouragingperistalsis(the movement of intestinal muscles).
Any form of physical activity will help, including a brisk walk or gentle yoga.
Sitting around for long periods slows peristalsis and contributes to constipation.
Long-term laxative use can contribute to this.
There are also forms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that involve diarrhea with constipation.
A fecal impaction can be removed manually or with an enema.
Rarely, surgery is used.
you might prevent paradoxical diarrhea by eating plenty of fiber, drinking enough water, and exercising.
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American Academy of Pediatrics.Soiling (encopresis).
Larach S, Martin-Perez B.Management of fecal impaction.
Larach S, Martin-Perez B.Faecal impaction of the elderly: a review of the existing literature.Indian J Surg.
Harvard Health Publishing.Don’t bomb the bowel with laxatives.
