If you’ve ever experienced a stomach ache after pooping, you’re not alone. This is a very common experience and can be caused by a variety of factors. In some cases, it might be a sign of a more serious condition. In this article, we will discuss why pooping may make you feel sick and what you can do to alleviate the discomfort.
What Causes Pooping to Make You Feel Sick?
There are several potential causes for pooping to make you feel sick, some of which are more serious than others. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes:
Constipation
Constipation is one of the most common causes of feeling sick after pooping. When you’re constipated, your stool is harder and drier than normal. This makes it harder to pass and can cause cramping or discomfort. Additionally, constipation can cause gas to build up in your intestines, which can cause bloating and nausea.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in your bowel habits. IBS is often triggered by certain foods, stress, or hormonal changes. People with IBS may experience alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea, and may feel sick after pooping.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the intestines that is usually caused by a virus or bacteria. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. People with gastroenteritis may feel sick after pooping due to the inflammation of the intestines.
Infections
Infections like bacterial gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections can cause nausea and abdominal pain. People with these infections may feel sick after pooping due to the inflammation caused by the infection.
Intestinal Blockages
Intestinal blockages can be caused by a variety of factors like hernias, tumors, or scar tissue. They can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. People with intestinal blockages may feel sick after pooping due to the obstruction in the intestines.
What Can You Do to Alleviate the Discomfort?
The best way to alleviate the discomfort of feeling sick after pooping is to identify and address the underlying cause. If the cause is constipation, it is important to increase your intake of fiber and water to help keep your stool soft and easy to pass. Additionally, taking a stool softener or laxative can help alleviate constipation. If the cause is IBS, it is important to identify and avoid any triggers that may be causing your symptoms. Additionally, medications like antispasmodics and antidepressants can help reduce symptoms. If the cause is an infection, it is important to seek medical treatment. Finally, if the cause is an intestinal blockage, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean if pooping makes me feel sick?
Feeling sick after pooping can be caused by a variety of conditions like constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroenteritis, infections, and intestinal blockages. It is important to identify and address the underlying cause in order to alleviate the discomfort.
How do I know if I am constipated?
Signs of constipation include infrequent bowel movements, hard and dry stools, abdominal cramping, and bloating. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice.
What should I do if I am constipated?
If you are constipated, it is important to increase your intake of fiber and water to help keep your stool soft and easy to pass. Additionally, taking a stool softener or laxative can help alleviate constipation.
What causes IBS?
The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it is believed to be related to abnormalities in the digestive system. It is often triggered by certain foods, stress, or hormonal changes.
What should I do if I have IBS?
If you have IBS, it is important to identify and avoid any triggers that may be causing your symptoms. Additionally, medications like antispasmodics and antidepressants can help reduce symptoms.
What causes gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis is usually caused by a virus or bacteria. It can also be caused by contaminated food or water.
What should I do if I have gastroenteritis?
If you have gastroenteritis, it is important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
What are some common infections that can cause nausea and abdominal pain?
Common infections that can cause nausea and abdominal pain include bacterial gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections.
What should I do if I have an infection?
If you have an infection, it is important to seek medical treatment.
What causes intestinal blockages?
Intestinal blockages can be caused by a variety of factors like hernias, tumors, or scar tissue.
What should I do if I have an intestinal blockage?
If you have an intestinal blockage, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Can pooping make me feel sick every time?
It is not normal to feel sick after pooping every time. If you are experiencing this symptom regularly, it is important to identify and address the underlying cause.