Sometimes severe diarrhea or eating spicy food causes a burning sensation during stool. Of course, these two are not the only causes of this complication, and this burning may be a sign of severe disease. If the burning during defecation occurs rarely, there is nothing to worry about, but if it recurs regularly or is accompanied by other unusual symptoms, you should see a doctor. If you want to know more about the causes of burning in the anus during stool, how to prevent it, and when to see a doctor, stay with us.
Is burning during stool normal?
Various factors may cause painful bowel movements. Sometimes this complication is temporary and is caused by a short-term digestive problem. Still, if you feel severe or prolonged pain during defecation, it may be a sign of a serious complication. Temporary pain may occur when the stool is hard and difficult to pass due to low fiber and water intake. Painful bowel movements due to constipation usually disappear when the constipation is resolved.
The pain during defecation or the burning sensation that sometimes accompanies it may be uncomfortable, but it is only dangerous in some cases. You should pay attention to the other symptoms associated with this burning sensation to reach a definitive diagnosis by informing the doctor correctly.
Symptoms associated with burning during stool
If you have trouble passing stool, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:
- inability to empty the bowels;
- the feeling of blockage in the digestive system;
- stomach ache;
- Hard and protruding stools;
- loose stools;
- defecation three times a day or more;
- defecation less than three times a week;
- rectal bleeding;
- bloody stools;
- Fever or chills.
Possible causes of burning during defecation
This burning may have a simple cause, such as eating spicy foods. Of course, if the burning sensation does not go away after eliminating spicy foods from the diet, you may have one of the complications we have written about below.
1. constipation
If constipation occurs occasionally, it is normal. Sometimes your digestive system is affected by diet, stress, and hormonal changes. Chronic constipation is one of the possible causes of a burning sensation during defecation. Many people suffer from constipation, and there are many different treatments.
It is good to know that trying to pass stool is not normal. If constipation lasts for several weeks or months, it is considered chronic. Passing stool three times a week may be expected for some people, but it should not be accompanied by severe pain or straining. Persistent constipation may even be a sign of intestinal obstruction. If you have stomach cramps, you should suspect this complication and see a doctor immediately.
2. diarrhea
Diarrhea is a loose and watery stool that may occur several times daily. This condition may cause pain and burning, especially if the skin around the anus is irritated. Symptoms of diarrhea include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping;
- the constant need to go to the bathroom;
- Loose or watery stools.
Diarrhea is a common complication with various causes, including infection, food poisoning, menstrual or premenstrual period, change in diet, and stress. This complication is treated with the following methods at home:
- Avoiding foods that may worsen diarrhea (such as fried or fatty foods);
- drinking enough water ;
- Taking over-the-counter diarrhea medications.
If diarrhea continues for more than three days or is accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, or bloody stools, you should see a doctor. Tests may be done to diagnose the cause. The cause of diarrhea may be a virus, bacteria, or a longer complication.
3. Anal fissure
A tear in the skin of the anal canal or anal fissure can be painful and cause a burning sensation during defecation. Straining while defecating or defecating hard stools are among the causes of this rupture. Of course, other factors also cause anal fissures, and this complication is relatively common in children. The symptoms of an anal fissure are:
- bleeding from the rectum (the muscular tube that connects the intestines to the anus);
- pain or burning during defecation;
- pain or sensitivity to touch in the anus;
- Pain that may last for several hours after defecation.
Anal ulcer treatment includes reducing pain and burning while the ulcer heals naturally. Of course, treating the underlying cause of the complication, such as constipation, is also part of the treatment. Home remedies for this condition include:
- Adding Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) to the bathtub;
- Avoiding using toilet paper after defecation and washing with water;
- Using laxatives for more straightforward stool elimination;
- Sitting in a small pan of water.
Anal ulcers are common, usually, heal with home remedies, and do not recur. Of course, if you notice pain during defecation, it is good to see a doctor to diagnose anal ulcers as the cause and get treatment. If you see blood in or on the stool, you must see a doctor and rule out the reasons.
4. cancer
Colon or rectal cancer is usually caused by the growth of tumors called polyps on the inner wall of the intestines. Polyps can grow and become cancerous. They may also bleed, block the intestines, or grow into other organs. Pain during bowel movements usually occurs with colon or rectal cancer but is more common in rectal cancer. The symptoms of colon and rectal cancer are:
- anal secretions;
- blood in or on the stool;
- Change in bowel habits (more or less frequent bowel movements);
- constipation;
- diarrhea;
- contusion
- the presence of a gland in the anal canal;
- pain, irritation, or itching in the anus;
- Unreasonable weight loss.
Colon and anal cancer is treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. The cancer treatment method depends on the type of cancer, the patient’s abilities, and the progress of the disease. Some people may worry about cancer when they experience burning during fast bowel movements. Although this complication is one of the symptoms of cancer, in most cases, it is not caused by cancer. Of course, going to the doctor quickly can detect or rule out dangerous diseases such as cancer.
5. Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is an immune-related inflammatory disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract and other body parts. This inflammatory bowel disease can cause diarrhea or constipation depending on the type of disease. Other symptoms of this condition include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping;
- flatulence ;
- diarrhea;
- loss of appetite;
- causing ulcers in the mouth;
- the presence of mucus in the stool;
- nausea;
- rectal bleeding;
- Stomach pain ;
- Unreasonable weight loss;
- Feeling a strong need to defecate.
Diarrhea, constipation, ulcers, and blisters can cause pain during bowel movements. In inflammatory bowel disease, the main goal is to control the underlying cause of inflammation. This work reduces the complications of the disease and some symptoms associated with the disease. Treatment usually includes medication, lifestyle changes, and complementary therapies. Affected people should see a doctor when they see new symptoms or the worsening of previous symptoms. Inflammatory bowel disease is lifelong, so a gastroenterologist should examine the affected person regularly (at least 1 or 2 times a year).
6. Hemorrhoids or hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are a common disease that can cause pain during defecation. Of course, most people with this disease do not have pain. Hemorrhoids occur when the veins in the anus or rectum become inflamed and painful. These veins can bleed and become painful, especially when defecating or cleaning the anus. Common symptoms of hemorrhoids include:
- Bleeding (blood may be seen on toilet paper or stool);
- the feeling of something in the anus or rectum;
- itching in or around the anus;
- pain in or around the anus;
- pain during defecation;
- rectal pain
Hemorrhoids are treated first with over-the-counter medications and home remedies to reduce inflammation and pain. Some of its treatment methods are:
- Avoiding cleaning the anus with tissue after defecation and using water for washing;
- Using over-the-counter creams and ointments to reduce inflammation and pain;
- treatment of diarrhea or constipation;
- sitting in a shallow tub of warm water for 10 minutes or more;
- Use of therapeutic wet wipes after defecation.
You should see a doctor if home remedies are ineffective or the condition is accompanied by bleeding, pain, or other severe symptoms. Stronger creams, ointments, and medications may be prescribed, or your doctor may discuss other treatments, such as surgery.
7. Proctitis
Proctitis includes inflammation of the inner lining of the rectum. The following reasons may cause this complication:
- inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis;
- sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and genital herpes ;
- food poisonings such as salmonella and shigella, and campylobacter infection;
- Clostridium difficile infection may be caused by antibiotic use.
Pain and cramping in the anus, rectum, or left side of the abdomen are common symptoms of proctitis that may occur during bowel movements. Other symptoms include:
- constant feeling of needing to defecate;
- diarrhea or constipation;
- blood in the stool, which may be light, dark red, or black;
- rectal bleeding;
- Mucous or purulent discharge in the stool.
Because proctitis occurs as a symptom of another disease, it usually gets better with treatment. See your doctor immediately if you notice blood, mucus, or pus during bowel movements or severe abdominal pain.
8. diet
Consumption of spicy and acidic foods is one of the most common causes of burning during defecation. If the anus feels burning during defecation, maybe the diet is the cause. Red chili pepper is one of the foods that can cause a burning sensation. This type of pepper contains capsaicin, which combines with pain receptors and transmits the burning sensation to the brain. In most cases, the body digests capsaicin before it reaches the anus, but sometimes it may not be fully digested, causing burning during urination.
Acidic foods that can cause burning during defecation include:
- lime ;
- Pomegranate;
- pineapple ;
- Blueberry ;
- raw garlic and onion;
- Curry spice or cloves.
Treatment of burning during defecation
The treatment of this condition depends on its underlying cause. Stool relaxers and over-the-counter medications such as hydrocortisone or ibuprofen are commonly used. More severe complications, such as cancer or Crohn’s, require medical treatment. For the home treatment of anal burning after defecation, the following tips can be practical:
- Balanced diet;
- stress reduction ;
- regularizing the pattern of excretion (every day at a particular time);
- regular meals;
- increased fiber consumption;
- increased water consumption;
- Avoiding foods that you are allergic to;
- regular exercise ;
- consumption of probiotic supplements ;
- Adequate rest.
Prevention of burning during defecation
Although burning during defecation is not always preventable, following some tips will reduce the possibility of this complication. If you enjoy spicy foods, remember that sometimes these foods can cause burning during bowel movements. If you cannot eliminate these foods from your diet, you can reduce their stimulating effects by combining them with starchy foods such as bread and rice.
To prevent hemorrhoids or anal ulcers, add water and fiber-rich foods such as beans, raspberries, broccoli, and nuts to your diet. Consuming fiber softens and increases stool volume, making excretion easier and preventing constipation.
Also, to reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancer, you should have colon cancer screening regularly from the age of 45. Also, avoiding tobacco use, reducing alcohol consumption, regular exercise, proper weight, and healthy diet help to reduce the risk of this cancer.
When should we see a doctor?
A burning sensation during bowel movements can be caused by something as simple as the spicy food you ate the night before, but it can also be a sign of some severe intestinal disease. If the burning persists or is accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms, see a doctor:
- Abnormal bumps and lumps in the anus;
- severe or chronic constipation;
- discharge or bleeding from the anus;
- Unreasonable weight loss;
- itching, irritation, or pain around the anus;
- bloody or black stools;
- Diarrhea that lasts more than three days;
- severe heartache;
- a significant change in the chair;
- Symptoms that worsen or do not improve with treatment.
final word
Burning or irritation during defecation has various possible causes. Some of these causes are constipation, diarrhea, anal ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease. You can prevent this complication with a regular diet and excrement and some other healthy habits. Cancer is rarely the cause of burning during defecation. You can also use home remedies or over-the-counter ointments to treat the condition. You should see a doctor immediately if you notice other digestive symptoms and burning sensations.
Warning! This article is only for educational purposes; to use it, it is necessary to consult a doctor or specialist.
