Burning Diarrhea: What Are The Causes And Home Remedies?

Key Takeaways

• A burning sensation characterises burning diarrhoea and watery, loose stools during bowel movements. This condition can arise from dietary choices, tears in the anal area, and various digestive disorders.
  
  
• The potential causes include consuming spicy foods, lactose intolerance, fissures in the anal region, inflammatory bowel diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, haemorrhoids, and in rare cases, cancer or endometriosis. Common symptoms are nausea, abdominal cramps, swelling and burning or itching around the anus.
  
  
• Tailored treatments such as changing one's diet, topical creams, and seeking medical care are advisable to manage burning diarrhoea. Preventative steps include avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, maintaining hydration, and consulting a doctor for ongoing issues.

Burning diarrhoea involves the passing of watery stools accompanied by a burning sensation. This condition can be caused by various factors, including the consumption of spicy food, a lactose intolerance, tears in the anal area (anal fissures), Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Syndrome, sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia, haemorrhoids, proctitis, and in rare cases, cancer or endometriosis. Common symptoms include:

• Nausea leading to vomiting
  
  
• Increased movement in the gut resulting in cramps
  
  
• Swelling around the anal region
  
  
• Sensations of burning and itching

What Is Burning Diarrhea?

Burning diarrhoea refers to the experience of passing loose, watery stools that leave a burning sensation in the anal area (anus), along with discomfort after defecation.

Diarrhoea typically happens when our intestines absorb less fluid from the body's waste, resulting in fluid-filled stools. Changes in bowel movements, such as diarrhoea and constipation, can indicate various health issues within our bodies. Diet plays a significant role in causing fluctuations in bowel movements related to stomach health.

Why Does It Burn When I Poop?

Faecal discomfort can arise from a variety of factors, such as eating spicy foods or dairy products, anal fissures, conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Syndrome, STDs like Chlamydia, and haemorrhoids. In rarer cases, conditions like cancer or endometriosis may cause burning stools.

Let’s delve into these causes in more detail:

• Spicy Food Intake: Spicy food can irritate and inflame the digestive tract. This might lead to stools passing through the system more quickly, which can cause a burning sensation during bowel movements.
  
  
• Dairy Product Intolerance: Those with lactose intolerance or sensitivity to dairy might experience gastrointestinal discomfort, including a burning sensation during bowel movements. This occurs because the body struggles to process lactose effectively.
  
  
• Anal Tears Or Fissures: Small tears in the lining of the anus, known as anal fissures, can occur due to straining during bowel movements, hard stools, or physical injury. Passing stools through these tears can be painful and leave a burning sensation.
  
  
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease/Syndrome: Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation in the digestive tract. This may lead to symptoms like burning sensations, pain, and discomfort during bowel movements.
  
  
• STDs Like Chlamydia: Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted infection, can cause rectal symptoms if it affects the rectal area. Inflammation in the rectum can lead to discomfort, burning, and pain during bowel movements.
  
  
• Haemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels in the rectal or anal area, known as haemorrhoids, can cause itching, pain, and a burning sensation, especially during bowel movements.
  
  
• Proctitis: Proctitis, which is inflammation of the rectal lining, can be caused by infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or other factors. This inflammation can cause burning sensations and discomfort while passing stools.
  
  
• Cancer: Although rare, certain types of anal or rectal cancer can cause burning sensations during bowel movements. Symptoms can vary, but consistent discomfort or bleeding should prompt a medical evaluation.
  
  
• Endometriosis: Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. If it affects the intestines or rectum, it can lead to pain, burning, and discomfort during bowel movements.

What Does Burning Poop Indicate?

Burning stools can signal various health issues, from eating spicy foods to Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome. This condition often results in discomfort, such as a burning sensation in the anus after passing stools and itching in the anal area.

Symptoms of burning diarrhoea include:

• Nausea leading to vomiting
  
  
• Increased gastrointestinal tract motility causing cramps
  
  
• Bulging or swelling in the anal area
  
  
• Burning and itching sensations during and after passing stool
  
  
• Extreme urgency leading to accidental leakage of stool
  
  
• The presence of bloody clots or specks in the stool
  
  
• Increased frequency of bowel movements

Treatments For Burning Poop

Various treatments are available for conditions like burning stools and diarrhoea. Here are some approaches for different medical conditions causing burning bowel movements:

For Spicy Food Intake:

Avoid spicy foods that cause irritation and burning sensations. Spicy foods can also alter the stomach's pH, producing more or less stomach acid (HCl), which causes burning and itching sensations during or after passing stool.

Managing Lactose Intolerance:

If you're lactose intolerant, monitor your diet and eliminate foods that trigger a burning diarrhoea response in your body.

For Anal Cuts/Tears/Fissures:

Using over-the-counter creams and stool softeners, along with maintaining good hygiene, can help heal anal fissures and reduce the burning sensation. In more severe or persistent cases, medical attention might be necessary.

Treatment For Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):

IBD can be managed with medical attention and prescription drugs, including antibiotics like metronidazole and ciprofloxacin.

STDs, Including Chlamydia:

Sexually transmitted diseases are treated with prescribed antibiotics, with the dosage tailored to age and severity. It's important to complete the antibiotic course to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Haemorrhoids:

Milder cases of haemorrhoids can often be treated with over-the-counter topical creams (like Hydrocortisone and phenylephrine) and dietary changes.

Proctitis

The approach to managing proctitis depends on the specific underlying causes. This may include the use of antibiotics such as doxycycline, brands like Vibramycin, and anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen and sucralfate, known as Carafate. Making lifestyle changes can also be helpful.

Cancer

Treatment options vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer. These can include surgical procedures, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted treatments.

Endometriosis

Managing endometriosis involves relieving pain, which can be achieved with over-the-counter painkillers or hormonal treatments. In more severe cases, surgery might be necessary.

Home Remedies

• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. This includes water and clear soups, crucial for maintaining hydration and can help ease discomfort during burning stools while supporting proper digestion.
  
  
• If you're lactose intolerant, avoid dairy products or milk. Opting for lactose-free alternatives can help reduce digestive discomfort.
  
  
• A diet free from spices and bland foods like toast, rice, and bananas can help alleviate symptoms of burning diarrhoea.
  
  
• Soaking in warm water, avoiding tight clothing, and staying away from harsh soaps and cleaning agents can provide relief.
  
  
• Using an oral rehydration solution that contains electrolytes can be beneficial. These solutions are readily available over the counter and can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

How Can I Prevent Burning Diarrhea?

Avoid foods that can trigger discomfort, such as spicy dishes and lactose-containing items. Additionally, reducing excessive tobacco use can help prevent the likelihood of burning sensations after using the toilet.

If you have a sensitive digestive system or a weakened immune system, it's wise to monitor your diet closely. Increasing your intake of high-fibre foods can help prevent both constipation and diarrhoea.

Including foods rich in probiotics, such as yoghurt, in your diet can improve gut health and help relieve symptoms of diarrhoea.

Consult A Healthcare Provider

If you experience a medical condition that occurs consistently, it's important to take it seriously. Seeking medical attention and consulting with your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment is advisable.

For professional medical advice and consultation, consider contacting Mobi Doctor.

They offer convenient access to healthcare services and can assist with your medical concerns.