Confusing Bowel Habits: Understanding Overflow Diarrhoea and the Risks of Ignoring it
मुख्य बातें
- •Overflow diarrhoea is a paradoxical symptom that can be a sign of constipation and colon cancer.
- •The condition is caused by a buildup of hard stool in the colon, leading to a watery diarrhoea-like symptom.
- •Symptoms of overflow diarrhoea can be accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, leakage, and frequent loose stools.
- •Colon cancer can manifest as overflow diarrhoea by causing narrowing or blockage within the colon.
- •Proper evaluation and treatment are essential to prevent any potential complications.
In a recent video shared on Instagram, Dr Joseph Salhab, a board-certified gastroenterologist, shed light on a perplexing symptom that affects many individuals - overflow diarrhoea. This condition is often mistaken for true diarrhoea, but it is actually a form of constipation. As Dr Salhab explains, "You can have diarrhoea, but actually be constipated." This confusing symptom is a result of the body's inability to pass stool, leading to a buildup of hard stool in the colon.
When the colon is filled with hard stool, the only thing that can pass through is water. This water has no form to it, resulting in a watery diarrhoea-like symptom. This condition can occur after days of no bowel movements, and the symptoms can be accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, leakage, and frequent loose stools. Dr Salhab emphasizes that this symptom should not be dismissed and requires proper evaluation. In some cases, people may require hospital evaluation, physical examination, abdominal X-rays, CT scans, blood work, enemas, bowel regimens, or even manual disimpaction, depending on the severity and risk factors.
