Constipation and Nausea: How Are They Connected?

People with constipation experience additional symptoms, e.g., nausea, abdominal pain, etc.. According to the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), constipation is an infrequent and painful bowel movement that causes dry & hard stools, affecting 33% of adults above 60 years. 

Nausea, on the other hand, is an uncomfortable, queasy-like feeling in the stomach that often leads to vomiting. This article explores the link between constipation and diarrhoea. It explains why some people continue to experience both. Continue reading for further details.

Causes of nausea occurring due to constipation  

Lifestyle changes and lack of physical activities are the causes of constipation in susceptible people. However, recurring and chronic constipation is a sign of severe medical health conditions, e.g., inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) & intestinal obstruction.

More often, the conditions responsible for constipation cause nausea and related medical conditions. The common causes of nausea occurring due to constipation are;

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of related medical conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. The common types include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Inflammation due to IBD causes many digestive health symptoms, e.g., bloody stools, nausea, stomach pain, partial bowel movements with incomplete evacuation, constipation, and diarrhoea. 

Some people, particularly those with ulcerative colitis, develop constipation, particularly when the issue is localised to the rectum. This disease thus shows a close link between constipation and diarrhoea. 

Intestinal obstruction 

Intestinal obstructions occur when the intestinal passages are blocked, preventing the passage of waste materials and digested foods in the alimentary canal. The condition occurs due to scar buildup after surgery, inflammation, or any other factor that causes the incomplete or partial passage of the stools. Often, the intestines are twisted together, resulting in volvulus, a potentially fatal condition. 

These obstructions block the passage of stool, causing constipation, nausea and diarrhoea. People with intestinal obstruction also develop a range of symptoms that depend upon the severity and location of the blockage. The obstruction in the small intestine close to the stomach causes vomiting and nausea. 

Left interactions, the intestinal obstruction causes numerous potentially fatal complications, e.g., bowel perforations, bowel necrosis, sepsis and severe infections.

Side effects of medications, e.g., laxatives 

Specific prescription and over-the-counter medications cause constipation, diarrhoea, and other digestive Illnesses. After taking new medicines, people developing these signs are advised to consult a doctor. For example, lubiprostone is a medication that treats constipation due to IBS, and according to research published in the Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Diseases in 2015, it causes diarrhoea and mild to moderate nausea as a side effect. 

Likewise, laxatives relieve constipation by stimulating bowel movements. However, they cause various side effects, e.g., headache, stomach pain, diarrhoea, bloating, vomiting, and nausea. According to the NIH, nausea, particularly in older people, is one of the side effects of lactulose, a common laxative prepared from synthetic sugar. 

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the large intestine and causes signs, e.g., diarrhoea, bloating or excessive gas, constipation, cramping, and stomach pain. Nausea is one of the symptoms of IBS. Although the exact causes of IBS remain unclear, research has identified many potential causes, e.g., depression, anxiety, stress, genetics, food intolerances, and bacterial overgrowth in the digestive system. 

Symptoms of constipation  

People experience constipation as a response to numerous reasons, e.g., poor exercise, dietary changes and various underlying medical health conditions. Likewise, people with constipation experience many additional signs and symptoms, e.g., painful bowel movements, difficulty in passing out stools, passing out lumpy, hard and dry stools, incomplete evacuation of the stools and having the urge to defecate even after visiting the bathroom, fatigue, poor appetite and unintentional weight loss.

Nausea is also among its signs and symptoms, and it is imperative to consider both as consequences of each other. 

Treatment of constipation associated with diarrhoea  

Treatment of constipation-induced diarrhoea depends on underlying causes, potential complications and risk factors. The doctors prescribe medications and lifestyle and dietary changes to treat the symptoms of IBS and IBS and reduce their flare-ups.

Initial treatment: In the initial stages, just avoiding beverages and foods linked to stomach upsets, constipation, and nausea is necessary and enough to treat it. In later stages, more advanced treatment is required.  

These foods include carbonated drinks, fatty foods, processed foods, dairy products, caffeinated drinks and beverages, and red meat. 

Prescription medications: If prevention fails, the doctors resort to more specific treatments, e.g., probiotics, stool softeners, and stimulant laxatives. 

Food dairy: Maintaining a food diary helps people identify the foods that trigger the symptoms of constipation and nausea. Likewise, it helps identify food intolerances and helps people avoid future exposure. 

Hydration and eating more fibre: Staying hydrated and eating more fibrous foods help relieve constipation. Water keeps the stools moving, while fibre adds bulk and smooths the passing out process.

Physical exercises and activities: Spending more time on physical activities and exercises helps regulate bowel movements. However, visiting the gym for a workout is the last option for constipated and nauseated people. Instead, a gentle post-meal walk is the recommended choice. 

For more treatment options, visit our article, ‘How to relieve nausea from constipation’. 

When do people need to see a doctor? 

If the symptoms do not improve after implementing these lifestyle and dietary changes, it is necessary to consult healthcare providers. Likewise, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention if nausea and vomiting are accompanied by signs, e.g., unexplained weight loss, confusion, dizziness, bloody or black stools, severe abdominal pain, fever, and excessive thirst.

People experiencing multiple episodes of diarrhoea and vomiting that last longer than three days are often suffering from food poisoning and other digestive illnesses and must seek medical care immediately. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

What is the relationship between constipation and nausea? 

Constipation is one cause of nausea. Stool buildup in the intestines allows food to linger for a long time in the stomach, causing bloating and nausea. The stool buildup disturbs the intestinal bacteria, causing a gut imbalance. 

What are some simple tricks to empty the stomach? 

Adding certain foods, e.g., ginger, peppermint, fibre-rich foods, probiotics, lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables to the diet and drinking more water are home remedies that quickly empty the bowel. Warm liquids, such as herbal teas, stimulate bowel movements. Light exercises, such as walking and gentle abdominal massage, are helpful, too. 

How do you stop constipation associated with nausea? 

Eating baked chicken, bland foods such as crackers, and foods containing more water, such as popsicles, help manage nausea and vomiting. Another helpful tip is to lie down after eating and never sit up or do any exercise. Natural stomach soothers, such as ginger ale and ginger, are helpful. 

What are the psychological reasons for constipation and nausea? 

Stress causes constipation in numerous ways. Stress hormones, such as cortisol, influence bowel movements by affecting physiological processes. Likewise, people who get less exercise, drink little water, and eat a poor diet often experience constipation and diarrhoea. 

What are the conditions that cause nauseated feelings before pooping? 

Numerous possibilities exist, such as constipation, food poisoning, and viral infections. It is necessary to pay attention to the symptoms and see if similar symptoms occur in other people. If these symptoms don't improve within a few days, it is time to consult a healthcare provider. 

What are the practical and quickest methods to naturally clear the colon? 

Some natural and effective methods for this job are staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fresh water, using salt water flushes, eating diets containing high fibre content, using smoothies and juices,  and eating a lot of probiotics and herbal teas. Consult the doctor for more specific methods.

Is it normal to feel nauseated after constipation? 

Vomiting and nausea often co-occur as signs of constipation. Although constipation affects only the intestines, not the stomach, it slows the entire digestive system. It prevents or delays the food present in the stomach from reaching the small intestines. 

Bottom-line 

Nausea and constipation often occur at the same time. Various factors, such as gastrointestinal conditions, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications, can cause uncomfortable digestive illnesses. People experiencing recurrent bouts of constipation and nausea must consult a food journal to identify food intolerances. 

Speaking and consulting with a doctor helps uncover the underlying causes of these digestive Illnesses. Doctors often recommend effective and safe treatments based on individual health conditions, medical history, and symptoms. 

Welzo offers Lactulose Solution and Movicol Sachets that ease bowel movements and relieve constipation. Visit the relevant pages to review and order these products.