Why do I feel bloated and have the urge to defecate but can't pass stool?
Oct 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Introduction
In general, defecation refers to bowel movements. Bloating in the lower abdomen with the urge to defecate but being unable to do so may be caused by improper diet, excessive stress, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic colitis, or other reasons. It is important to maintain a balanced diet, avoid overeating, exercise regularly, develop healthy bowel habits, and pay attention to personal hygiene to prevent and reduce lower abdominal bloating.
Generally speaking, "defecation" refers to the act of bowel movement. A bloated lower abdomen with the urge to defecate but inability to do so may be caused by improper diet, excessive stress, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic enteritis, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Improper Diet
Overeating or eating too quickly can cause a large amount of air to be swallowed into the stomach. Additionally, high-fiber foods fermenting in the intestines may produce gas, leading to a feeling of bloating in the lower abdomen and difficulty passing stool. It is recommended to adjust eating habits by chewing food thoroughly, eating slowly, and reducing intake of high-fiber foods. Digestive enzyme tablets, lactasin tablets, or Dashaizhawan (Hawthorn pills) may also be used under a doctor's guidance for treatment.
2. Excessive Stress
Long-term stress and anxiety may lead to sympathetic nervous system activation, which inhibits parasympathetic nerve activity and thereby affects gastrointestinal motility, resulting in constipation or bloating. It is recommended to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to reduce stress. When necessary, individuals may seek help from a psychological counselor.
3. Constipation
Constipation is usually caused by lack of physical activity or slowed intestinal motility. If feces remain in the intestine for too long, they may cause lower abdominal bloating and difficulty in defecation, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain and decreased appetite. Treatments may include using medications such as glycerin suppositories, bisacodyl enteric-coated tablets, or Bifidobacterium triple viable capsules under medical supervision.
4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is typically caused by a combination of factors including abnormal intestinal motility, dysregulation of the nervous system, intestinal microbiota imbalance, and psychological factors. It may lead to gas accumulation and intestinal spasms, commonly causing lower abdominal bloating, along with symptoms such as constipation and abdominal pain. Medications such as pinaverium bromide tablets, oral lactulose solution, or loperamide hydrochloride capsules may be used under a doctor’s guidance.
5. Chronic Enteritis
Chronic enteritis is often triggered by bacterial or viral infections, immune abnormalities, or genetic factors. Inflammation can damage the intestinal mucosa, potentially slowing intestinal motility and impairing digestion and absorption, leading to bloating and difficulty defecating. Symptoms may also include mucus in the stool or bloody stools. Patients may take medications such as amoxicillin capsules, cefuroxime axetil tablets, or sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets as directed by a physician.
In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, avoid overeating, engage in moderate exercise, maintain good bowel habits, and pay attention to personal hygiene to prevent and reduce episodes of lower abdominal bloating.
