
Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Runner's Colitis

Posted on
Sat, 2 Jan 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team


Question : I am a healthy, 33 year old female, with 2 children, youngest being 9 months. I've been a runner for years without any significant stomach issues. Following the birth of my youngest child, I resumed running and began having stomach cramps at the end of runs (usually about 6 miles), followed by diarrhea. It usually happens 1x and then stops. Doesn't occur every time I run, and I started hydrating more, which really seemed to help diminish effects. On Christmas, I went for a run, realized I was quite dehydrated at the start and it was very unusually warm and humid. I came back, had some diarrhea and it had a relatively small amount of bright red blood. Was very scary to see and the following Monday, saw my PCP. She did an exam, said no hemorrhoids or an obvious fissure, but it might have healed as it had been a few days. Tested for current blood and said none present. She doesn't recommend a colonoscopy at this time, but if it occurs again I should get one. Having no clear answer is scary to me and I wonder if I should get one? I also wonder if there is a chance I'm dealing with runners colitis, but obvious the idea of something more serious is scary!
Brief Answer:
Yes , Runner's colitis is a possibility
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
Your symptoms point more towards runner's colitis only. It is quite common in long distance runners.
If you are taking any painkiller killer medications, you need to stop it.
It doesn't indicate any other serious conditions. But yes, if symptoms recur, you need to undergo colonoscopy.
Make sure you drink enough fluids before running. And add plenty of fibers to the diet.
I hope that answers your query.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.
Yes , Runner's colitis is a possibility
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
Your symptoms point more towards runner's colitis only. It is quite common in long distance runners.
If you are taking any painkiller killer medications, you need to stop it.
It doesn't indicate any other serious conditions. But yes, if symptoms recur, you need to undergo colonoscopy.
Make sure you drink enough fluids before running. And add plenty of fibers to the diet.
I hope that answers your query.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad

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