Pain After Bowel Movement

Stomach and abdominal pain is a symptom that is seen in many diseases. This is said to be one of the main symptoms accompanying any kind of disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. However, pain after bowel movement is a symptom that is seen in very specific diseases, as it signifies a possible problem affecting the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract or even the anus.

Causes of Pain

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
One of the most common causes of pain is irritable bowel syndrome. In this condition, the muscle lining of the intestine is overactive in nature, due to which it contracts in rapid spasms and this in turn leads to quick passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, the food is not fully absorbed into the body. Furthermore, the spasms continue even after the food has passed for a while, thus, leading to pain.

Proctitis
Proctitis is defined as inflammation of the anus and the lining of the rectum. The symptoms of this condition include soreness in the rectal and anal area, pain while passing stools, pain during and after bowel movement, involuntary spasms and cramping, bleeding and discharge from the anal region, etc. There may even be constipation due to this condition.

Gallstones/Cholescystitis
Sometimes, pain after eating could also occur due to problems like gallstones. In gallstones, there is obstruction of the gallbladder, which has the function of releasing bile after ingestion of food. However, if after a meal, especially after a meal that is high in fats and cholesterol, the bile does not flow freely, then it could lead to pain after movement of bowel.

Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are also diseases that cause abdominal pain after bowel movement. This kind of abdominal pain after eating can be triggered due to a lot of factors. Crohn's disease is a condition where there is spasmodic movement of the intestine, whereas in ulcerative colitis, there is inflammation of the entire lining of the intestine. Thus, these conditions trigger off pain signals in the body during and after bowel movement.

Hemorrhoid
Another common cause of pain after eating is hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids is a condition where the veins in the anal and rectal region swell up, leading to pain and small swellings in this region. Thus, after eating, while passing stools, the person may feel severe pain due to friction and impingement on the hemorrhoids or piles.

Other Causes
Other causes of pain include cancer, viral hepatitis, pancreatitis, lactose intolerance, hiatal hernia, etc. Even constipation can cause pain after eating. Stomach pain after bowel movement could be an indicator of gastritis or gastric ulcers.

Treatment Options

The treatment for pain after eating and bowel movement will depend on the underlying cause. If there is an infection, then normally antibiotics help in curing it. However, if the pain is due to spasms of the gastrointestinal tract, then anti-spasmodic medication is of great help. In cases of gallstones, hemorrhoids and other such major health concerns, the person will need to visit a doctor and get a detailed treatment plan chalked out.

It is necessary to understand that this symptom could be an indicator of a variety of disorders, ranging from mild gastritis to cancer. Hence, this symptom should be taken seriously so that it is properly diagnosed and treated.