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What Causes Breathlessness And Increased Abdominal Pressure During Defecation Process?

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Posted on Tue, 8 Sep 2015
Question: I suffer from copd when I get breathless and can not stop to rest I get pressure on the bowel with embarsing consequences . no one has explained the cause of this .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Forced expiration and involvement of accessory muscles

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

1. There are numerous muscles of respiration. Some are involved during quiet breathing and some are used (accessory muscles) only during periods of high requirement like exercise or breathlessness periods. Inspiration (intake of air) is active, and expiration (air going out) is passive. This occurs during quiet breathing
2. For normal breathing, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles play a role.
3. However, during breathlessness phases, neck muscles, back muscles, front and back abdominal muscles are involved. Specifically, during expiration, the abdominal muscles are actively involved, which also increases the abdominal pressure.
4. This increased abdominal pressure is like during defecation process. This can put pressure on bowel and rectum, which can cause fecal incontinence and dripping.
5. Avoiding triggering factors for COPD and regular medication will be helpful. Also increasing fiber in diet could be helpful.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (1 hour later)
Thanks for your explanation which is more than I have received todate.
I take regular medication and exercise moderately ie rowing machine , cycle and strength one for the body.

Are there any breathing exercises I could use ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Spirometry will be helpful.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.

Rowing machine, cycle and weight training are excellent choice. If you want to incoporate further breathing exercises, spirometry or pranayama breathing exercises will be beneficial. Avoid in cold weather.

However, you need to start slowly and increase it over time.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Thanks for asking.

Take care.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (21 hours later)
Thanks for info. I thought Spirometry was a test procedure which I have at regular intervals. I have not heard of Paranayama , where can I find details ?
Regards XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Spirometer equipment's for breathing training are available.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for replying.

Manual Spirometer instruments are available in the market to improve deep breathing. It might be called as incentive spirometer. Ask your physiotherapist/ chemist, he can help you in getting one.
Similarly, Pranayama is a type of yoga and improve breathing control. You can find videos on youtube or you can find books or even a yoga teacher. If you intend to start pranayama exercises, go slow.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Thanks for asking.

Take care.
Dr. Prakash HM
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda

Geriatrics Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2138 Questions

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What Causes Breathlessness And Increased Abdominal Pressure During Defecation Process?

Brief Answer: Forced expiration and involvement of accessory muscles Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for asking. I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows: 1. There are numerous muscles of respiration. Some are involved during quiet breathing and some are used (accessory muscles) only during periods of high requirement like exercise or breathlessness periods. Inspiration (intake of air) is active, and expiration (air going out) is passive. This occurs during quiet breathing 2. For normal breathing, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles play a role. 3. However, during breathlessness phases, neck muscles, back muscles, front and back abdominal muscles are involved. Specifically, during expiration, the abdominal muscles are actively involved, which also increases the abdominal pressure. 4. This increased abdominal pressure is like during defecation process. This can put pressure on bowel and rectum, which can cause fecal incontinence and dripping. 5. Avoiding triggering factors for COPD and regular medication will be helpful. Also increasing fiber in diet could be helpful. Hope it helps. Any further queries, here to help again. Dr. Prakash HM