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What does alternating constipation and diarrhea mean?
Anybody can get diarrhea sometimes. The same goes for constipation. But if you get both of them often, you may have a type of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Specifically, you may have IBS-M, the mixed type. IBS causes digestive problems like cramping, belly pain, and bloating; and diarrhea, constipation, or both.
Is it possible to have constipation and diarrhea at the same time?
It may seem as though a person would have either diarrhea or constipation but it is possible to have both at the same time. This is what’s known as paradoxical diarrhea or overflow diarrhea. Diarrhea (having watery stools) is a common digestive problem that affects people at all stages of life.
Why did my constipation turn into diarrhea?
Severe constipation can cause a blockage in your bowel. Because of this, the bowel begins to leak out watery stools around the blockage from higher up in the bowel. The leak from the bowel can look like diarrhoea. It’s called ‘overflow diarrhoea’.
What IBS pain feels like?
The main symptoms of IBS are belly pain along with a change in bowel habits. This can include constipation, diarrhea, or both. You may get cramps in your belly or feel like your bowel movement isn’t finished. Many people who have it feel gassy and notice that their abdomen is bloated.
What are stools like with IBS?
Frequent, loose stools are common in IBS, and are a symptom of the diarrhea-predominant type. Stools may also contain mucus.
Can spicy food cause bowel problems?
You have the runs. In fact, spicy seasoning is one of the most common sources of food-induced diarrhea. The capsaicin in some spicy foods can irritate the lining of the stomach or intestines, which may have a laxative effect in some people as the meal makes its way through their digestive system.
What is the best painkiller for IBS?
On occasion, your doctor may recommend a prescription pain medication that specifically targets pain or bloating caused by IBS. These include Lyrica (pregabalin) or Neurontin (gabapentin).
Why do I have diarrhea and abdominal pain at the same time?
Abdominal pain and diarrhea that occurs at the same time can be caused by a variety of factors. These can include indigestion, a viral infection such as the stomach flu, or an intestinal disease. It’s important to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms.
Can painkillers cause constipation and diarrhea?
Any opioid painkillers taken to ease abdominal pain and discomfort during diarrhea can cause subsequent constipation. Bouts of constipation due to particular bowel conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. It is important to visit your doctor if your constipation persists.
Can eating too much food cause abdominal pain and diarrhea?
Like adults, children often experience abdominal pain and diarrhea because of stomach flu, infections, food allergies, lactose intolerance, or stress. But eating too much can also cause these symptoms.
What are the signs and symptoms of rectal cancer?
These symptoms include: bleeding from your rectum. blood in stools. extreme exhaustion that lasts for a long time. unexplained weight loss. having chronic constipation (lasting two to three months) changes in your bowel habits that are sudden and unexplained. severe abdominal pain.