Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentComplicationsDiagnosisWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderSummaryA Word From VerywellFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Complications
Diagnosis
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Summary
A Word From Verywell
Frequently Asked Questions
This article will discuss burning diarrhea symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. It will also cover complications associated with burning diarrhea and when to contact a healthcare provider.
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Symptoms of Burning Diarrhea
Burning diarrhea symptoms will vary based on its cause. Along with the burning sensation during a bowel movement, some people will experience additional symptoms, such as:
Causes of Burning Diarrhea
There are several reasons someone might have burning diarrhea. It can be acute, meaning it lasts for only a short time, or it can be chronic, lasting for four weeks or more. Here are potential causes of burning diarrhea:
Why Does It Burn When I Poop?
What Medications Can Cause Burning Diarrhea?
Medications typically are not a direct cause of diarrhea, but certain drugs may trigger a series of events that could lead to it. One type of medication that could lead to burning diarrhea isantibiotics.
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. While the medication is effective at killing the bacteria that are causing the illness, it can also eliminate protective “good” bacteria. When healthy bacteria are killed in the intestine, it can allow unhealthy bacteria to multiply.
One “bad” bacteria that can take over is calledClostridioidesdifficile(C. difficile or C. diff). This bacteria can lead to diarrhea and other symptoms, such as stomach pain and fever. Diarrhea can be very frequent, which may then lead to skin irritation around the anus, potentially causing a burning pain.
How to Treat Burning Diarrhea
Treating burning diarrhea is aimed at managing the underlying cause. In many cases, stopping the diarrhea altogether can also stop the burning sensation associated with it.
You can often treat acute diarrhea with over-the-counter (OTC)antidiarrhealmedications, includingImodium(loperamide) andPepto-Bismol(bismuth subsalicylate). These work in different ways to slow or stop diarrhea. Pepto-Bismol can also help treat other symptoms you may be experiencing, such as upset stomach or nausea.
No matter the cause of diarrhea, it’s important to replace any lost fluids to prevent dehydration. Drink plenty of water or sports drinks to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes.
How to Soothe Burning Anus After Diarrhea
Complications Associated With Diarrhea
Untreated diarrhea—whether it’s burning or not—can lead todehydration. During bouts of diarrhea, the body loses more fluids than usual. If these fluids are not replaced, there is a risk of dehydration. Severe dehydration can cause organ damage or evenshock.
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Burning Diarrhea?
If your diarrhea has not resolved with OTC medications or lifestyle remedies, it’s wise to check in with your healthcare provider. A healthcare provider can help determine the cause of your burning diarrhea so you can get the appropriate treatment.
If the cause is not clear through a health history and physical exam, then additional testing may be necessary. These tests may include:
Burning diarrhea is not usually a serious condition, but if you or someone you know experiences the following symptoms, contact a healthcare provider:
Burning diarrhea can be an embarrassing topic to discuss with your healthcare provider. However, it’s important to treat it as soon as possible to avoid further complications. Burning diarrhea may be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome, which needs to be identified and treated. Even if you don’t have an underlying condition, when diarrhea goes on for too long it can cause dehydration.
Frequently Asked QuestionsIf someone has burning diarrhea, the first step is to determine the cause. The next step is to stop the diarrhea with OTC medications and heal the skin around the anus.Preventing burning diarrhea starts with understanding the triggers andcauses of diarrhea. From there, you can take steps to avoid triggers, if possible.To lower your risk of getting a burning sensation, avoid foods that can contribute to it, such as spicy foods, and wipe gently to avoid irritation or tears.
If someone has burning diarrhea, the first step is to determine the cause. The next step is to stop the diarrhea with OTC medications and heal the skin around the anus.
Preventing burning diarrhea starts with understanding the triggers andcauses of diarrhea. From there, you can take steps to avoid triggers, if possible.To lower your risk of getting a burning sensation, avoid foods that can contribute to it, such as spicy foods, and wipe gently to avoid irritation or tears.
Preventing burning diarrhea starts with understanding the triggers andcauses of diarrhea. From there, you can take steps to avoid triggers, if possible.
To lower your risk of getting a burning sensation, avoid foods that can contribute to it, such as spicy foods, and wipe gently to avoid irritation or tears.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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John Hopkins Medicine.Irritable bowel syndrome treatment.
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