Constipation, also known as digestive irregularity, and diarrhea (loose, frequent stools) can occur for a number of reasons. Emotional stress or overeating may cause temporary symptoms, which may resolve without need for medical treatment. In some cases, diarrhea and constipation indicate serious physical or psychological conditions. If your symptoms are severe, recurrent or long-lasting, discuss them with your doctor.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder frequently characterized by chronic or recurrent bouts of diarrhea and constipation. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), up to 20 percent of adults in the United States, the equivalent of one in five, have IBS symptoms, making it one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders. In addition to constipation, IBS can cause a person to feel a frequent urge to have a bowel movement, pain before and after passing stool and abdominal cramping. Symptoms may come and go or remain constant and worsen over time. The NDDIC indicates that up to 70 percent of people who have IBS fail to seek medical treatment. IBS symptoms can be managed through dietary and lifestyle changes or medications. Once diagnosed, your doctor will advise you toward the best treatment plan.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that triggers negative immune responses to foods containing gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. According to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center, of the over 200 potential signs and symptoms of the disease, recurrent diarrhea and constipation appear frequently. Diarrhea, constipation and other digestive symptoms are most common among youth with the disease, though they can appear in adults as well. Additional symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, joint pain and a flaky skin rash, known as dermatitis. A strictly gluten-free diet is considered primary treatment for celiac disease. Once gluten is completely absent in the body, diarrhea, constipation and other symptoms tend to dissipate. Celiac disease tends to run in families, so if your family history includes the disorder, seek testing for your whole family. Be sure to discuss your symptoms with your doctor prior to eliminating gluten from your diet, as some tests for the disease require gluten presence in your body.
Anxiety Disorders and Panic Attacks
Anxiety refers to a group of psychological disorders characterized by excessive, illogical dread. People with anxiety may experience on-going or recurrent anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder), anxiety based on perceived need to control objects or factors in their lives (obsessive compulsive disorder) or anxiety triggered by traumatic events (post traumatic stress disorder). When anxiety symptoms exacerbate, they may cause panic attacks--sudden episodes of intense fear. According to the National Panic Disorder Anxiety News, intense anxiety causes your blood to rush to muscle tissues with oxygen, during what's known as the "flight or fight" response. Most of this blood stems from the digestive tract area. As a result, your digestion process slows down and your stomach muscles tense, commonly leading to heartburn, diarrhea or constipation. People who experience frequent, intense episodes of anxiety are most prone to digestive problems. Anxiety disorders are treatable, often through psychological counseling, medication and relaxation techniques. If you experience anxiety symptoms in addition to diarrhea or constipation, seek guidance from your doctor.
