Morning diarrhea - Causes and treatment

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Posted by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital
Occasional loose stools in the morning are normal. But when morning diarrhea occurs frequently for a long time, you need to be examined and treated promptly to avoid affecting your health.

1. Causes of Morning Diarrhea

Common causes of morning diarrhea are:
Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the main causes of morning diarrhea. In addition to diarrhea, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome may include:
Bloating Abdominal Constipation Abdominal cramps Mucus in stool Unknown cause of irritable bowel syndrome . It's possible that stress, daily routines, and certain foods can trigger morning diarrhea and other symptoms.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is actually a general term for a number of chronic intestinal disorders, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both of these conditions are characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract.
With Crohn's disease, inflammation can spread from the lining of your digestive tract and into surrounding tissues.
Symptoms such as:
Diarrhea (usually in the morning) Abdominal pain Weight loss Fatigue Infection Bacterial or viral infections Rotavirus is one of several viral infections that cause diarrhea. Salmonella is a bacterial infection that can cause morning diarrhea. It is acquired after consuming contaminated food or water. Alcohol or smoking
Drinking alcohol at night or smoking a lot before bed can cause diarrhea in the morning. Alcohol irritates the digestive tract, causing loose stools.
Some medications
Some medications have diarrhea as a side effect. In particular, some antibiotics have been linked to diarrhea. If you take the medicine at bedtime, it will stay in your body through the night and may lead to morning diarrhea.
Emotional stress
When you wake up focused on a stressful situation, morning diarrhea may occur.

2. Treat this condition

Successful treatment of morning diarrhea depends on its cause. Treatment may include a combination of dietary changes and medication.
Change your diet
Avoid the following foods: Gas-producing foods and drinks, including carbonated drinks, raw fruits and some vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower ,...
Other foods containing gluten: breads, cereals,...
Foods made with FODMAPS, which are any of several types of carbohydrates, including fructose and lactose
Medical treatment
Medications sometimes prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome include antidepressants. If treating diarrhea, but no diagnosis of depression, antidepressants including imipramine (Tofranil) and desipramine (Norpamine) may be helpful.
Anti-diarrheal medications, such as loperamide (Imodium) may be helpful.
Antiviral drugs or antibiotics can treat the infection, but be aware that some medications can also cause diarrhea. Make sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about all the potential side effects of the medications you're prescribed.
If stress causes diarrhea in the morning is the cause of irritable bowel syndrome, see your doctor for timely diagnosis and treatment.

3. Prevent Morning Diarrhea

Essential steps to help prevent future episodes of diarrhea:
For example, preventing irritable bowel syndrome flares means reducing stress or better managing how you respond to stressful situations . It can be accomplished with mindful eating, biofeedback, or progressive relaxation techniques that focus on mental and muscular relaxation.
Prevention of inflammatory bowel disease also requires dietary changes, such as limiting dairy products and consuming more low-fat foods than high-fat foods.
If you believe alcohol is your trigger, consider not or cutting down on your alcohol consumption and see if that has any effect.

4. Complications of this condition

The most dangerous complication of diarrhea is dehydration, especially in the elderly and young children. If you have a weakened immune system, dehydration is also a particularly serious concern.
Comment on morning diarrhea
If the cause of your morning diarrhea is temporary, such as pregnancy or an infection that can be successfully treated with medication, then you should be optimistic.
If the problem is related to diet, alcohol use or smoking then you can make the necessary lifestyle changes to prevent future problems.
However, if the cause is a chronic condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome or IBD, you will have to be mindful of your condition on a daily basis. A combination of dietary changes, medication, and lifestyle adjustments may be needed. Follow your treatment plan to limit future recurrences if possible.
Department of Endoscopy - Gastroenterology is one of the key specialties at Vinmec International General Hospital. For timely examination, advice and treatment of digestive diseases, you can contact Vinmec Health System nationwide or book an appointment on the website for service.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference
Irritable bowel syndrome: Controlling your symptoms. (2010). aafp.org/afp/2010/1215/p1449.html