How does constipation in Parkinson's disease lead to diarrhea?
Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal issues in Parkinson's disease, affecting up to 80% of people with the condition. It often appears years before motor symptoms develop.
When severe constipation occurs, it can lead to a condition called Show Full Answer
How does constipation in Parkinson's disease lead to diarrhea?
Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal issues in Parkinson's disease, affecting up to 80% of people with the condition. It often appears years before motor symptoms develop.
When severe constipation occurs, it can lead to a condition called overflow diarrhea (also known as paradoxical diarrhea). This happens when:
- Hard stool becomes impacted in the colon, including the ascending colon
- Liquid stool from higher up in the digestive tract seeps around the blockage
- This liquid stool leaks out, appearing as diarrhea even though constipation is the underlying problem
Why constipation happens in Parkinson's:
Parkinson's affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls the muscles in your digestive tract. This leads to slower movement of food and waste through your gastrointestinal system. The disease causes nerve changes that make it harder to push stool through the colon.
Common constipation symptoms include:
- Not having bowel movements for days
- Bloating and cramping
- Straining during bowel movements
- Feeling incomplete after going
If you're experiencing what seems like diarrhea but have a history of constipation, it's important to discuss this with your doctor. They can evaluate whether overflow diarrhea is occurring and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
January 16
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