Paradoxical diarrhea, also called false diarrhea or diarrhea due to overflow, is characterized by the release of a mucus containing small traces of feces through the anus, most often caused by chronic constipation.
In elderly with chronic constipation and bedridden, very hardened stools called fecalomas can form that form a viscous mucus around them. Paradoxical diarrhea occurs when this mucus exits through the anus containing traces of these stools, but the hard stools remain trapped within the intestine.
This diarrhea should not be confused with common diarrhea, as in the case of common diarrhea, treatment is done with medicines that can harden the stools, which tends to make the situation worse, as these medicines further harden the stools that are trapped in the intestine, increasing mucus production.
How to identify paradoxical diarrhea
Paradoxical diarrhea is one of the main consequences of chronic constipation and is characterized mainly by the presence of a mass of hardened stools in the rectum or in the final portion of the intestine, the fecaloma, with difficulty in evacuating, abdominal swelling, colic and the presence of blood and mucus in the stool. Understand more about fecaloma.
In addition, the outflow of mucus through the anus containing traces of feces is a sign of paradoxical diarrhea, and is usually indicative of the presence of fecaloma.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for paradoxical diarrhea should be carried out according to the guidance of the general practitioner or gastroenterologist, with the use of laxative drugs, such as Colonac or Lactulone, for example, with the aim of promoting the elimination of dry and hardened stools and decrease mucus production.
In addition, it is important to drink at least 2 liters of water per day and increase the consumption of foods with a laxative effect, such as papaya, kiwi, flaxseed, oats or pear, for example. Discover other foods with a laxative effect.
