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I Get Sick When I Have A Bowel Movement. I
Posted on
Mon, 20 Apr 2020
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 20 Apr 2020
Answered on
Last reviewed on
Question : I get sick when I have a bowel movement. I get a headache, anal pain, bloating, and general discomfort afterI have a bowel movement. It lasts from 18 to 30 hours. I was originally treated for IBS problems but my primary care physician, physical therapist and my chiropractor think I have a problem with a vagus nerve in my rectal area.
Brief Answer:
A vasovagal reaction may be the culprit.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service.
I have read your query.
The symptoms you describe are often caused by a reflex known as a vasovagal reaction.
It includes the vagus nerve that during a bowel movement may cause a slower heart rate and lower blood pressure as the abdominal muscles are strained during a bowel movement.
It is necessary to stay well hydrated, exercise, to eat healthily, including food the ease bowel movements.
Discuss with your Doctor for these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
A vasovagal reaction may be the culprit.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service.
I have read your query.
The symptoms you describe are often caused by a reflex known as a vasovagal reaction.
It includes the vagus nerve that during a bowel movement may cause a slower heart rate and lower blood pressure as the abdominal muscles are strained during a bowel movement.
It is necessary to stay well hydrated, exercise, to eat healthily, including food the ease bowel movements.
Discuss with your Doctor for these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Please explain why I have a bad headache, anal pain, and several hours of discomfort. What is causing my symptoms? Thank you, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
Headaches together with discomfort may be linked to the lowering of blood pressure and heart rate.
Anal pain may be a local problem that should be evaluated with colonoscopy and by a Prochtologist.
The anal pain may trigger the vasovagal response as well.
Hope I helped you.
Take care.
I would explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
Headaches together with discomfort may be linked to the lowering of blood pressure and heart rate.
Anal pain may be a local problem that should be evaluated with colonoscopy and by a Prochtologist.
The anal pain may trigger the vasovagal response as well.
Hope I helped you.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Brief Answer:
There are nerve endings in the anal area.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
The vagus nerve goes from the brain (medulla oblongata) to the very end of the large intestine, so, yes, there are nerve endings in the anal area.
The function of the vagus nerve is mainly to control a large number of organs conveying information from the brain to these organs.
The opposite direction of the information (signals) is possible also, the vagus nerve may send signals to the brain from other organs, including intestines.
These sensory signals may cause headaches, discomfort, and even mood changes, so, it is possible that bowel movements in your case stimulate the vagus to convey signals to the brain.
Hope I answered your question.
Take care
There are nerve endings in the anal area.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
The vagus nerve goes from the brain (medulla oblongata) to the very end of the large intestine, so, yes, there are nerve endings in the anal area.
The function of the vagus nerve is mainly to control a large number of organs conveying information from the brain to these organs.
The opposite direction of the information (signals) is possible also, the vagus nerve may send signals to the brain from other organs, including intestines.
These sensory signals may cause headaches, discomfort, and even mood changes, so, it is possible that bowel movements in your case stimulate the vagus to convey signals to the brain.
Hope I answered your question.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Dr Spaho,
is there a surgery that will fix this condition. I was told by a nurse that "they can snip the nerve and the symptoms go away" I could really use some help. Thank you, XXXXXXX
is there a surgery that will fix this condition. I was told by a nurse that "they can snip the nerve and the symptoms go away" I could really use some help. Thank you, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
Before deciding the best treatment way, it is necessary for a correct diagnosis.
A colonoscopy is necessary to evaluate any problems in the anal area.
If any problems are found and corrected, your symptoms may diminish too.
Heart rate and blood pressure should be monitored during these episodes to understand correctly if these are affected by the vasovagal response.
Cutting the nerve is not a treatment way in your case.
Discuss with your Doctor for these issues.
Hope I helped you.
Take care.
I would explain as follows.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
Before deciding the best treatment way, it is necessary for a correct diagnosis.
A colonoscopy is necessary to evaluate any problems in the anal area.
If any problems are found and corrected, your symptoms may diminish too.
Heart rate and blood pressure should be monitored during these episodes to understand correctly if these are affected by the vasovagal response.
Cutting the nerve is not a treatment way in your case.
Discuss with your Doctor for these issues.
Hope I helped you.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
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