4 Causes of constipation often appear after diarrhea

Constipation and diarrhea are very opposite conditions. However, that does not mean constipation after diarrhea cannot occur. Sometimes, constipation appears after the area has stopped completely. Why is that?

Causes of constipation after diarrhea

Constipation or constipation is a condition when a person has difficulty defecating.

This usually occurs when the water content in food is absorbed by the body before it enters the large intestine.

If the food remains in the intestines for too long, there will be a lot of water that will be absorbed and it can make your bowel movements hard.

If you experience this digestive problem after suffering from diarrhea, there are several causes that trigger it, namely:

1. Stomach flu

The stomach flu or gastroenteritis is a bacterial or viral infection that attacks the lining of the intestines, causing inflammation.

Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of stomach flu. This condition occurs when the stomach is swollen and unable to absorb water. This excess fluid then causes diarrhea.

However, stomach flu can also cause constipation due to inflammation of the muscles. This condition then makes the muscles lose some of their strength and elasticity.

When this happens, waste returns to the intestines which causes it to build up. As a result, constipation will appear after diarrhea due to stomach flu.

No need to worry, this condition will usually heal once the infection is treated and the inflammation has really improved.

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

One of the reasons why you experience constipation after diarrhea is IBS or irritable bowel syndrome .

IBS is a condition when there is damage to the workings of the intestines causing repeated abdominal pain.

People with IBS may feel abdominal muscle contractions as if they want to have a bowel movement.

In addition, this disorder can also occur when you eat certain foods, such as vegetables or caffeinated drinks.

These digestive problems are divided into three types, namely:

• IBS-D (Diarrhea)
• IBS-C (Constipation)
• IBS-M (Mixed, i.e. diarrhea and constipation occur alternately)

Constipation after diarrhea caused by irritable bowel syndrome falls into the IBS-M category.

There are several factors that generally make IBS-M occur, namely:

• Genetic or hereditary factors
• Infection and inflammation
• Changed diet
• Intestinal bacteria
• Psychological factors, such as stress

In fact, according to a study from the journal Neurogastroenterotol Motil , IBS-M sufferers experience constipation after taking anti-diarrheal drugs.

Therefore, this condition can occur because of the side effects caused by diarrhea drugs.

3. Inflammation of the intestine

Not only IBS, some people who suffer from colitis also experience alternating symptoms of constipation and diarrhea.

All types of colitis will affect how the digestive tract works differently.

For example, Crohn's disease can occur in any digestive tract. However, what often occurs is at the end of the small intestine which will later turn into the large intestine.

The cause of intestinal inflammation is not known with certainty. However, most of these conditions are affected by damage and decreased immune system.

According to a study in the journal Current Gastroenterology Reports , people who have colitis do not have the maximum ability to move sodium and fluids.

During the digestive process, the intestines also do not absorb bile acids produced by the liver, so diarrhea can occur.

For people who have colitis due to autoimmune disorders, constipation after diarrhea is often due to the immune system attacking your intestinal tissue.

The digestive tract becomes inflamed and changes in muscle movement occur which eventually cause the movement of bowel movements through the large intestine to slow down.

As a result, your bowel movements accumulate and are difficult to pass.

4. Side effects of anti-diarrheal drugs

Constipation is one of the side effects of anti-diarrheal drugs.

In anti-diarrheal drugs, there are compounds that are antimotility, which reduces peristalsis and intestinal secretions.

However, this trait can actually cause constipation after you recover from diarrhea.

One type of drug that is proven to have strong antimotility properties is loperamide. Unfortunately, the side effects of this one drug are constipation and headaches.

Therefore, it is highly expected that you follow the rules for use stated on the drug packaging or according to the doctor's recommendation.

Constipation after diarrhea is a condition that is quite normal to occur, especially when you do not pay attention to food intake, such as eating less fibrous foods.

If the condition does not improve, you should consult a doctor.

Photo Source: Yahoo News

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