Burning diarrhea: What are the causes and home remedies?

Woman touching stomach painful suffering from burning diarrhea
Medically reviewed by Dr. Asim Cheema

Key Takeaways

  • Burning diarrhea involves a burning sensation during bowel movements accompanied by loose, fluid-filled stools. It results from diet, anal tears, and various digestive conditions.
  • The causes include spicy food consumption, lactose intolerance, anal tears, inflammatory bowel diseases, STDs, hemorrhoids, and rarely, cancer or endometriosis. Symptoms include nausea, cramps, anal swelling, and burning/itching.
  • Managing burning diarrhea involves modified treatments such as dietary adjustments, topical creams, and medical intervention. Preventive measures include avoiding trigger foods, staying hydrated, and seeking medical help for persistent symptoms.

Overview 

Burning diarrhea is a medical condition in which a person experiences loose motions accompanied by a burning sensation in the anal area. There could be a number of reasons, including spicy intake of the food, intolerance problems, STDs, hemorrhoids, proctitis, or cancer.  Some of the most prescribed medications are NSAIDs, antibiotics, laxatives, and chemotherapy medications, depending on the seriousness of the medical condition. It can be prevented in several ways, including avoiding spicy intake in nutrition or intolerance and completely diagnosing or treating underlying medical conditions. 

What is burning diarrhea?

The feeling of a burning sensation with the loose fluid-filled poop is called Burning Diarrhea. It will be like the same diarrhea or passing of loose stool leaving the anal area (Anus) burning, accompanied by severe discomfort.

Diarrhea generally occurs when our intestines absorb comparatively fewer fluids from the waste products of the body, which appear as fluid-filled stool. Bowel movements with conditions like diarrhea and constipation can be used as an indicator to diagnose health problems. Your diet is mainly responsible for the causation of stomach-related bowel movement fluctuations.

Why does It burn when I poop? 

Fecal discomfort can result from various factors, such as consumption of spicy cuisines or food items, sensitivity to dairy products, anal fissures, conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Syndrome, presence of STDs like Chlamydia, Hemorrhoids, and in uncommon instances, conditions such as cancer or endometriosis may be the cause of burning stool.

Some of the most prominent causes of burning poop are: 

  1. Spicy Food Intake: Consuming highly spicy foods can trigger irritation and inflammation in the digestive tract. As a result, stool may pass through the system more rapidly, potentially leading to a sensation of burning during bowel movements.
  1. Intolerance for Dairy Products: Individuals with lactose intolerance or sensitivity to dairy can experience gastrointestinal discomfort, including a burning sensation during bowel movements. This discomfort arises from the body’s inability to process lactose properly.
  2. Anal Tears or Anal Fissures: Small tears in the anus lining, known as anal fissures, can develop due to factors like straining during bowel movements, hard stools, or physical trauma. Passing stool through these tears can cause pain and a burning feeling leaving your butthole burning for quite some time.
  3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease/Syndrome: Inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can incite inflammation within the digestive tract. Consequently, symptoms like burning sensations, pain, and general discomfort during bowel movements can manifest.
  4. STD like Chlamydia: Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted infection, can result in rectal symptoms if it affects the rectal area. Inflammation in the rectum can lead to sensations of discomfort, burning, and pain during bowel movements.
  5. Hemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels around the rectal or anal region, known as hemorrhoids, can cause itching, pain, and a burning sensation, particularly during bowel movements.
  6. Proctitis: Proctitis, characterized by inflammation of the rectal lining, may stem from infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or other causes. This inflammation can give rise to burning sensations and discomfort while passing stool.
  7. Cancer: Although infrequent, certain forms of anal or rectal cancer can prompt burning sensations during bowel movements. Cancer-related symptoms can vary, but consistent discomfort or bleeding should start a medical evaluation.
  8. Endometriosis: Endometriosis involves tissue resembling the uterine lining growing outside the uterus. If it affects the intestines or rectum, it can lead to pain, burning, and discomfort when evacuating the bowels.
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What medications can cause burning diarrhea?

Some of the medications that can lead to burning diarrhea include : 

  • Antibiotics: Some antibiotics, such as certain types of penicillin and cephalosporins, can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to diarrhea.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, potentially causing diarrhea with a burning sensation.
  • Antacids containing magnesium: High doses of magnesium in antacids can have a laxative effect, leading to diarrhea and a burning sensation.
  • Some chemotherapy drugs: Certain chemotherapy medications can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing diarrhea with burning sensations.
  • Excessive use of laxatives: Overuse of laxatives can lead to diarrhea, which may cause a burning sensation due to increased irritation of the intestines.

What does burning poop indicate? 

Burning poop can indicate various health conditions, from spicy food intake to Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome. It will present discomfort symptoms like burning butthole after passing stool and itching in the anal area.

Symptoms of Burning Diarrhea will include:

  • Nausea leads to vomiting.
  • Increased GIT motility leads to cramps.
  • Bulging or swelling of the anal area.
  • Burning and itching sensations after and while passing stool.
  • Extreme urgency leads to poop leakage.
  • Bloody clots or specks in your poop.
  • Increased frequency.

Treatments for burning poop 

Various treatment strategies will be followed for conditions like burning poop and diarrhea. Some of them suggest different treatment plans for various medical conditions causing burning bowel movements.

  • For spicy food intake

It’s better to avoid spicy diets that mimic irritation and burning sensations. Spicy foods also trigger and change the stomach’s pH, leading to either production or more or comparatively less acid (Hcl), causing burning and itching sensations while or after passing stool.

Incorporating diets that are less spicy and more nutritionally valuable can help maintain a balanced diet that does not irritate your gut. 

  • Managing lactose intolerance

If you are lactose intolerant, you should note your diet and cancel the food item mimicking your body’s burning diarrhea response. It is also important to maintain a diet that contains less lactose to not irritate your stomach.

  • For anal cuts/tears/fissures

Utilizing non-prescription or OTC creams and stool softeners and upholding good hygiene practices can assist in the healing of anal fissures and alleviate the associated burning sensation. Medical attention may be necessary to manage more severe and persistent instances effectively.

  • Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease

IBD can be treated by seeking medical attention and prescription drugs, including Antibiotics like metronidazole and ciprofloxacin. Antibiotic prescriptions and recommendations also change depending on the patient’s individual condition. It is important to get the proper consultation and the most suited antibiotic prescription for your unique needs.

  • STDs, including chlamydia

Sexually transmitted diseases will be treated with the prescribed antibiotics, with proper dosing according to age and severity. Antibiotics should be taken until the course is completed to avoid antibiotic resistance development. Chlamydia medication changes according to the patient’s condition and can only be determined by your healthcare provider and pharmacist. 

  • Hemorrhoids

Mild instances of hemorrhoids can frequently be treated using OTC Topical creams (Hydrocortisone, Phenylephrine) and dietary modifications. In case of persistent symptoms, get a medical consultation for effective treatment options and regimen. 

  • Proctitis

The approach to managing proctitis relies on specific underlying factors. These could encompass antibiotic use (doxycycline, including Vibramycin), anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and sucralfate (Carafate), and beneficial lifestyle adjustments.

  • Cancer

Treatment strategies differ depending on the cancer type and stage. Possible options encompass surgical procedures, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted treatment approaches. It is important to discuss your condition with your doctor to get the most effective treatment option for your medical condition. 

  • Endometriosis

The management of endometriosis focuses on treating the pain, achieved through non-prescription pain relievers or hormonal therapies. In severe cases, surgery might be needed, which can only be determined by your healthcare provider. 

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Home Remedies

  • Home remedies include intake of excessive fluids to avoid dehydration, avoiding dairy products /milk in case of lactose intolerance, diet without spices, soaking in warm water, avoiding tight clothing and harsh soaps, and cleaning surfactants.
  • Maintain hydration as it’s important to drink ample fluids like water and clear soups to prevent it, which can contribute to discomfort during burning stool episodes while supporting proper digestion.
  • Dairy moderation is crucial if you’re sensitive to lactose, as it might exacerbate the burning sensation. Opting for lactose-free alternatives can help ease digestive distress.
  • Maintaining and consuming the diet, e.g. ( Consuming bland foods such as toast, rice, and bananas ) will help alleviate the symptoms of burning diarrhea.
  • An oral rehydration solution containing electrolytes can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes. It’s readily available and OTC.

How can I prevent burning diarrhea?

Avoid triggering food, including spicy food items and lactose-containing eateries, and avoiding excessive tobacco usage will keep you prevented from the likelihood of burning after pooping.

If your body is sensitive to metabolizing various food items or your immune system is weak, it’s good to monitor your dietary intake and increase your consumption of foods rich in fiber to avoid constipation or diarrhea.

Incorporating foods abundant in probiotics, like yogurt, could potentially enhance gut well-being and alleviate symptoms of diarrhea.

Consult a doctor

Any medical conditions that show consistency in occurrence should be taken seriously and deemed appropriate to seek medical attention and consultation by your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

FAQs about burning diarrhea

Is burning poop harmful?

It’s only harmful if it stays persistent and causes extreme pain or a burning sensation. Usually, it goes on its own after the dietary modification. If it doesn’t, seeking medical attention for the proper diagnosis is good.

Does Pepto Bismol help with burning diarrhea?

Yes, Pepto Bismol (Bismuth Subsalicylate) can temporarily alleviate the symptoms of burning diarrhea. It’s good to seek medical attention for medication for persistent burning diarrhea.

What happens if the stool is acidic?

The acidic stool can only occur in case of lactose intolerance, and it will cause burning diarrhea accompanied by stomach cramps and increased nausea. Dietary modification according to the digestive system (Lactose-free diet) can help avoid acidic stool and burning after passing stool.

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