What Causes The Urge To Defecate While Lying Down?

Posted on Sun, 22 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 22 Feb 2015 Answered on

Wed, 18 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My bowel habits have changed. One change is that I experience an urgent need to defecate when I lie down to sleep. When I get up to use the toilet the need has gone.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need more info

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

I need more info in order to help you

1. How long has this been happening?
2. is it associated with pain abdomen?
3. Are you on any anti gastric medications?
4. Do you feel gaseous distention of the abdomen at all times?

Please get back to me, I am awaiting your reply

regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (32 minutes later)

This problem has been occurring at irregular intervals - two/three nights running, then no problem for a week or so - for several months.
There is no abdominal pain, but there is discomfort while the urge is present.
I am on no anti-gastric medications.
I do not have gaseous distension of the abdomin at all times.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back, I am sorry for the short delay in my reply to you. I was on call at my hospital.

The commonest cause for urgency to pass stools at night times is parasitic infections, also known as stomach worms. It is usual to have parasitic infestations if you are in the habit of eating outside or eating salads.

Here is what you should do
1. Give your stool for analysis, ask them to analyse for ova, cyst and routine
2.. Take 1 tablet of Albendazole 400 mg today and then repeat the dose after 2 weeks.
3. If the symptoms does not settle down then I recommend you to approach a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy and a biopsy of the intestine to rule out irritable bowel syndrome

I hope I was of help, I once again apologize for the delay

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar