Faecal Urgency
Today we're discussing a common yet often embarrassing digestive issue, faecal urgency.
This condition is characterised by a sudden intense urge to have a bowel movement, often accompanied by diarrhoea.
Faecal urgency is a symptom, not a disease itself.
It often arises from underlying digestive disorders or lifestyle factors. When you experience faecal urgency, you may feel a strong immediate need to defecate, even if you haven't eaten recently or don't have much stool in your colon.
Several factors can contribute to fecal urgency:
Irritable bowel syndrome, a common digestive disorder characterised by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhoea and constipation.
Inflammatory bowel disease, conditions like Crohn's disease and particularly ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to urgency.
Infections, bacterial or viral infections can irritate the colon and trigger urgency.
Food intolerances and allergies, certain foods such as lactose or gluten can trigger digestive symptoms.
Medications, some medications, particularly antibiotics, laxatives, and certain diabetic medication can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and lead to urgency.
The key to treating fecal urgency is to identify the underlying cause. Often, this may require a colonoscopy.
Some general strategies to improve urgency include:
Dietary modification or maintaining a high-fibre diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.
Two, avoid trigger foods. In particular, coffee and drinks with high sugar content can have a laxative effect on our bowel bowel and cause fecal urgency.
Three, medications. Anti-dialrial and anti-spasmodic medications can help to slow down bowel movements. You should always consult a healthcare professional prior to commencing these medications as they can be harmful in certain situations.
Four, lifestyle changes. Stress can exacerbate digestive symptoms. Techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help manage stress. Good sleep hygiene and having a regular daily routine is also critical.
Five, probiotics. These beneficial bacteria can restore the balance of gut bacteria and improve digestive health.
If you experience persistent or severe fecal urgency, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional. They can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Additional videos on a range of common conditions are available to view on the Gastroenterology Specialist Care YouTube channel.
Note, this video is not a medical consultation. Any medical information is general in nature and is not intended to provide individual clinical advice. You should contact your doctor or other healthcare professional in relation to any concerns they may have, as your own circumstances may be different.
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