Pain during bowel movement can be a symptom of a disorder that needs immediate attention. Let us know the potential causes and treatment methods.
Madhura Pandit
Pain or discomfort while passing stools is a cause of concern if experienced frequently. A person may also experience pain if he passes large, hard, or bloody stools. There can be several reasons for this condition.
Causes
Indigestion
In most of the cases, it is caused due to the amount and type of food consumed. A person may suffer from stomach and bowel problems if he eats in large quantity, eats unhygienic or extremely spicy food. Diarrhea resulting from food poisoning or indigestion can also cause painful bowel movements.
Constipation
The common causes of constipation include dehydration, deficiency of foods containing fibers, certain medication, etc. Constipation often leads to irregular bowel movements.
Anal Fissures
Cracks or slit in the skin around the anal region is known as anal fissure. Anal fissures cause a lot of pain after defecation. Apart from fissures, abscesses in the anal region can also cause pain during defecation.
Rectal Cancer
Cancerous or other similar growths can cause obstruction of the rectum or the anus. The actual cause of rectal cancer is unknown, but it is commonly seen in older people.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids or piles cause pain due to the swelling of the veins around or inside the anal sphincter. It is caused when extra pressure is exerted on rectal veins.
Apart from those mentioned above, proctitis, Crohn's disease, prostate cancer, and diverticulitis are other possible causes.
Treatment Options
Constipation can be treated by changing food and lifestyle habits, or taking laxatives. Hemorrhoids can be treated by changing bowel habits and following proper food habits. A surgery may be required if the hemorrhoids are very large. The treatment of rectal cancer depends on the stage and the growth of the cancer.
If a person is suffering from painful defecation for a long time, he must consult the doctor immediately as it can be a symptom of some serious disorder. Moreover, noticing blood in stool is also a sign of a serious disorder and should be bought to the doctor's notice.
Prevention
Eating healthy food and having a balanced diet is essential to avoid disorders related to digestion and bowel movement. One must also avoid eating very spicy food, especially at night. Drinking adequate amounts of water helps in diluting the acid in the body. Exercising regularly may also prove beneficial to overcome irregular bowel movement.
Most of the aforementioned causes can be treated effectively if proper treatment is sought. Therefore, if you experience any disorder, it is wise to consult the doctor immediately.
Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical professional.