Why does diarrhea burn when it leaves?

  • Context: Medical 
  • Thread starter Thread starter caljuice
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the reasons why diarrhea may cause a burning sensation during excretion. Participants explore various biological, chemical, and physical factors contributing to this phenomenon, including digestive processes, the effects of certain foods, and mechanical irritation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that stomach acid not being properly neutralized may contribute to the burning sensation.
  • Others propose that digestive enzymes may still be active during diarrhea, potentially causing irritation to soft tissue.
  • There is a viewpoint that the high water content in diarrhea can be abrasive and agitating, possibly exacerbating discomfort.
  • One participant mentions that spicy foods, particularly those containing capsaicin, could cause a burning sensation both during digestion and upon excretion.
  • Another perspective highlights mechanical abrasion from frequent wiping and potential small tears in sensitive areas as contributing factors to the burning sensation.
  • Some participants recommend using baby wipes or a witch hazel solution for relief, noting that while it may sting initially, it can provide soothing effects over time.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the causes of burning during diarrhea, and there is no consensus on a single explanation. Various hypotheses are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on individual experiences and may not account for all possible physiological variations. The discussion includes references to personal remedies that may not be universally applicable.

caljuice
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I was discussing this with my friend about this. He said it's because of stomach acid not being properly neutralized causing the burning. I said it's because of undigested food chemicals or something and you have to wipe so much more. I thought if it was the acid it would cause more much damage to the intestine? So what's the science behind the burning?
 
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1. chemistry: digestive enzymes attacking soft tissue (usually they're all done by the time they come out with normal digestion, but they're still doing their work with diarrhea)

2. physics: water is abrasive; high water content is more agitating. It's also often carrying half-digested chunks of food which can be abrasive too.
 
Food spiced with chillies can cause diarrhoea and the active ingredient that causes the sensation of heat(is it capsicum?)can burn on the way out as well as on the way in,I think.
 
Dadface said:
(is it capsicum?)
Capsaicin.
 
I'd add... if you have diarrhea, you're likely to be excreting quite a bit, in bouts between which you clean yourself. There is mechanical abrasion involved there, and the cramping that is often related to the 'pooping' can also cause very small tears in the rectum which is pretty sensitive.

It shouldn't concern you on its own.
 
Use baby wipes, very gently.
 
ormondotvos said:
Use baby wipes, very gently.

I'd add, a 50-50 Witch Hazel and water solution is also very helpful, but it WILL sting like the devil at first, then sooth in the long run.

Long run... heh.
 
that remind me of a postpartum remedy aptly dubbed a "crotchicle" wherein witch hazel is used.
 
I'll bite.

What's the punchline ?
 
  • #10
Me? No punchline. It's basically a flow pad dipped in a witch hazel solution and frozen for pain relief after the huge stress of giving birth.
 
  • #11
Pythagorean said:
Me? No punchline. It's basically a flow pad dipped in a witch hazel solution and frozen for pain relief after the huge stress of giving birth.

Yep... birthing is soooo not as pretty and lovely as some seem to think. Still, Witch Hazel... great stuff in a pinch for a numer of uses... albeit the one you describe is probably my least favorite to contemplate. :wink:
 
  • #12
Isaacsname said:
I'll bite.

What's the punchline ?

How hard did you wish that there was a punchline? :smile:

I remember learning about how to place a chest-tube... I also wondered what the punchline was... turns out that's not funny either. "Just stick it through the intercostal space, HARD..." is NOT comforting.
 
  • #13
birth is magnificently wonderful
 
  • #14
Pythagorean said:
birth is magnificently wonderful

The prelude is magical, the aftermath spectacular, the process is really just a mess IMO.
 

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