Diarrhea is defined as watery, loose stools that typically occur three or more times a day. Skin irritation, spicy foods, or an underlying medical condition usually cause burning diarrhea. Burning diarrhea can be uncomfortable. While it’s usually nothing to worry about, understanding the cause can help you find relief.
Symptoms
If you have diarrhea, you may be experiencing some of the following issues:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Blood in the stool
- Uncontrollable bowel movement
- Stomach gas
Causes of burning diarrhea
There are some causes of burning diarrhea. Here are some explain:
Injury or tearing
In some cases, passing stool can lead to tearing, also known as an anal fissure. This can cause a painful or burning sensation during a bowel movement. While often associated with constipation, anal fissures are also linked to persistent diarrhea.
Skin irritation
Diarrhea itself can lead to skin irritation or a rash on your bottom. It can also leave you sore from too much wiping. This can contribute to a burning sensation every time you go.
Hemorrhoids
Chronic constipation or diarrhea can also lead to hemorrhoids, which are inflamed veins in your anus or rectum. Irritation of these veins can make you feel burning and pain during bowel movements.
Spicy foods
Spicy foods like peppers contain capsaicin. This naturally occurring compound is the same stuff you find in pepper spray, mace, and topical pain medications. It burns on contact. Eating a lot of peppers or spicy foods can give you several symptoms, including burning diarrhea. If you experience burning diarrhea, think about what you’ve eaten recently.
Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects the bowels in a variety of ways. One type, known as IBS-D, is associated specifically with diarrhea, which can also discomfort and burning.
Tests to diagnose diarrhea
There are several tests that doctors can carry out to determine if you’re suffering from diarrhea. These include:
An endoscopy
This test involves the use of an endoscopy or a thin pipe instrument with a camera at the tip.
Hydrogen breath test
This test determines a person’s level of lactose intolerance. Here, physicians measure a patient’s hydrogen levels after consuming a lactose-filled drink. Usually, hydrogen is detectable in your breath. If you’re lactose intolerant, the hydrogen levels are generally high.
Blood tests
Blood is the easiest way to determine what is affecting your stool is made through blood work.
Fasting test
This test eliminates the foods that are causing diarrhea. Separating foods by avoiding them can help you isolate what triggers diarrhea.
Stool test
Stool tests determine whether you’re suffering from conditions affecting your blood, such as parasites or bacteria. Usually, we expect the presence of these organisms in the body. However, a stool test can separate the different bacteria types.
Treatment
These practices are effective in treating diarrhea:
Keep a food diary to note potential food triggers
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
Use over-the-counter ointments to ease discomfort burning and itching
Ask your doctor about antidiarrheal medications and how to take them correctly
When to see a healthcare provider
Burning diarrhea is not usually a serious condition, but if you or someone you know experiences the following symptoms, contact a healthcare provider.
- Dehydration
- For adults: diarrhea that lasts two days
- For children: diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours
- Stools that can blood or are black and tarry
- A fever of 102 degrees or greater
Significant abdominal or rectal pain
