Health & Care Information Learn all about diarrhea and its causes. Morning diarrhea is a term used to describe loose, watery stool and an urgent need to have a bowel movement upon waking. The urge may cause sleep disruptions in the morning hours. A person with good bowel habit and sleeping patterns may find the urge to defecate upon waking in the morning or shortly thereafter.
In some people, the need to pass stool may disturb sleep within the early hours of the morning. Morning diarrhea is not a specific symptom that clearly indicates a definite cause. It is frequently seen in most gastrointestinal disorders where diarrhea is a feature. However, it tends to be more common in a person suffering with bowel disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Diarrhea is one way the body tries to rid itself of an unwanted substance. It does so by secreting extra fluid to the intestines and producing an unusual number of strong intestinal contractions, leading to an increased amount of loose, watery stools. This is not uncommon; however there can be other causes of diarrhea in the morning that may be more concerning or other un-diagnosed conditions that you need to get checked.
Other common causes include adverse reactions to prescription drugs, particularly antibiotics, and digestive afflictions like Crohn’s disease. Bacteria and some viruses might also be to blame. People who notice ongoing morning diarrhea are usually advised to get medical help. Issues like food poisoning will normally go away on their own, but other more complicated syndromes or conditions may require treatment. Even with treatment the diarrhea may not disappear completely, but keeping things under control can prevent it from getting worse.
Morning diarrhea is a symptom. It is therefore important to identify the underlying disease that causes the morning diarrhea and treat it accordingly. The diarrhea should gradually resolve once the underlying condition is appropriately treated as would other symptoms that may be present. Antidiarrheal drugs like loperamide should not be the first option for treatment unless the diarrhea is persistent despite the underlying condition being treated.
Morning Diarrhea Causes
In the majority of circumstances, diarrhea in the morning can be caused by an infection, a virus, or food poisoning due to bacteria such as E.Coli. You can catch a flu/virus from being in contact with anyone who has had a previous stomach bug. Allthough you can get food poisoning or sick from food that is contaminated with bacteria such as E.Coli and Salmonella. Cases of diarrhea brought on by bacteria or by a virus normally worsen in the morning hours.
Cause…..
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) causes the highest percentage of diarrhea conditions. Doctors examine patients for this condition first whenever they report diarrhea symptoms. IBS occurs when the colon and intestines contract abnormally. It may also occur due to some unhealthy eating habits and allergic reactions to foods. This conditions is often treated by changing eating habits such as eating early in the evening, including more natural foods and reducing salt intake. Besides, bananas and yogurts with active and live cultures improve stool stability, thus helping to treat IBS.
Cause…..
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic bowel disorder marked by inflammation of the bowel wall. There are
two types:
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
Diarrhea that is watery, has mucus or is bloody is a symptom of both types of inflammatory bowel disease. The diarrhea is worse at certain times and occurs as acute episodes (attacks). It does not specifically worsen in the morning during these attacks but generally the diarrhea starts from the time a person awakens. In severe cases a person may awaken from sleep, sometimes even several times, to pass stool.
Cause……
Alcohol and nicotine abuse causes bowel irritation. Most people misuse these substances at night during social events. They may experience diarrhea the morning after misusing the substances. Diarrhea from substance misuse occurs in isolated cases unless if the abuse is consistent. Misusing other substances may also cause the same issue. Medications such as antibiotics can cause diarrhea every morning. Diarrhea associated with antibiotics can occur at any time. However, early morning diarrhea occurs because internal organs begin to function as the person wakes up. They become active after a period of dormancy through the night. Medication that has stayed in the bloodstream throughout the night triggers a severe early morning diarrhea.
So on…..
Some of the causes of diarrhea in morning are:
• Changes in circadian rhythm in the morning
• Intense physical activities
• Taking breakfast immediately after waking up
• Abnormal changes in hormone and nerve functions
• Food intolerance
• Stool and water buildup in the colon during the night
