Gastroenteritis, often called the stomach flu, causes diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and cramping. It is usually caused by viral infections that affect the stomach and intestines. After a few miserable days of frequent trips to the bathroom, the stomach flu symptoms start to improve. However, some people find that diarrhea is replaced by a new problem – constipation after stomach flu.
Going from diarrhea to being unable to pass a bowel movement for several days can be surprising and uncomfortable. Both kids and adults can experience this post-flu change like constipation after stomach flu. There are several reasons why constipation happens after bouts of stomach flu. The good news is that there are also many effective home remedies to get your digestive system back on track after a gastrointestinal illness.
This article will discuss the causes, duration, and natural ways to relieve constipation after episodes of diarrhea and vomiting from the stomach flu. Simple measures like staying hydrated, exercising, adding fiber to your diet, and trying herbal teas can help ease this temporary but troublesome issue.
Is Constipation After Diarrhea and Vomiting Normal?
So, is constipation after diarrhea and vomiting normal? Yes. Developing constipation for a few days after having diarrhea and vomiting from stomach flu is very normal. The frequent, watery bowel movements of stomach flu flush fluid and electrolytes from the body. This leads to dehydration. As the body recovers, it starts absorbing more fluid from the digestive system to rehydrate itself. This makes the stool harder, drier, and more difficult to pass.
The intestinal contractions also slow down after an illness, delaying the transit of stool. So constipation after stomach flu or gastroenteritis diarrhea and vomiting is expected. It usually resolves within 3-4 days with adequate fluid intake. If it persists beyond a week, consult your healthcare provider.
What Causes Constipation After Stomach Flu?
There are several reasons you may develop constipation after having stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis:
Dehydration
Frequent diarrhea and vomiting lead to the loss of significant fluids and electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride from the body. To recover from this deficit, the colon starts absorbing more water from the digestive tract into the bloodstream. This results in the stool becoming hard, dry, and difficult to pass.
Slowed Intestinal Motility
The stomach flu can slow down the muscular contractions of the intestine that normally propel food through the digestive system. This allows more time for fluid absorption from the stool, making it harder and drier. The slower motility delays the passage of stool.
Changes in Gut Bacteria
The stomach flu disturbs the normal balance of bacteria in the colon. Beneficial bacteria produce butyrate and other compounds that stimulate intestinal activity. A disruption in these bacteria after a gastrointestinal illness can therefore impair normal colon function, causing constipation.
Certain Medications
Some over-the-counter medications like loperamide used to control diarrhea can cause rebound constipation when you stop taking them. This leads to harder stool that is painful or difficult to pass after the diarrhea stops.
Low Fiber Diet
A gastrointestinal illness usually necessitates sticking to the BRAT diet – bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. While binding and easy on the stomach, these low-fiber foods allow stools to become dense and dry, making them harder to pass.
How Long Does Constipation Usually Last After Stomach Flu?
Bouts of constipation after stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis tend to improve on their own within 3 to 4 days in most people. Factors like your fluid intake, diet, physical activity, and medications determine how long it will last:
- With adequate hydration and a balanced diet, constipation should not last beyond 3-4 days after the diarrhea has stopped.
- Persistent dehydration can prolong constipation as the colon continues to absorb fluid from the digestive tract. Getting plenty of fluids prevents this.
- Observing a fiber-rich diet makes stool bulky and soft, relieving constipation faster. A low-fiber diet makes constipation worse.
- Physical movement stimulates intestinal contractions and activity, relieving constipation. Remaining sedentary delays recovery.
- Certain medications like antacids with aluminum or calcium supplements can worsen constipation. Review your medications with your doctor.
So be sure to hydrate, eat enough fiber, and gently mobilize your body. If your constipation lasts more than 3 days or is associated with pain, bloating, nausea, or vomiting, seek medical attention promptly. This may indicate an obstruction like post-infectious IBS or an intestinal blockage requiring evaluation.
Home Remedies To Get Rid of Constipation After Stomach Flu
Stay Hydrated
Drink adequate fluids, especially water, to replace what you lost from vomiting and diarrhea during stomach flu. Fluid helps soften your stool and stimulates intestinal contractions. Aim for 8-10 glasses of fluid daily. It is advised to steer clear of alcohol and caffeine as they can be dehydrating.
Consume Dietary Fiber
After the diarrhea stops, return to your normal balanced diet. Ensure it contains plenty of dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, oatmeal, flax seeds, etc. Fiber gives bulk to the stool and helps maintain regularity.
Exercise and Remain Active
Some gentle physical activity encourages intestinal activity and motility. Do light walking or exercises to the degree your body tolerates. This facilitates the transit of stool through your system.
Establish Bowel Habits
Going to the restroom every morning trains your body to pass stool regularly and relieves constipation faster. Proper toilet posture and relaxation techniques relieve straining.
Use Natural Laxatives
Over-the-counter stool softeners or laxatives containing psyllium husk, guar gum, or polyethylene glycol can help ease constipation gently. But use them for only a few days under medical guidance.
Try Gentle Herbal Teas
Sip warm herbal teas containing fennel seeds, dandelion, peppermint leaves, or black hibiscus. They provide hydration, and antioxidants and mildly stimulate your digestion.
When to See A Doctor for Persistent Constipation After Stomach Flu?
Constipation longer than a week warrants medical attention. You should also seek care if you experience:
- Blood in your stool, withheld stool, or diarrhea alternating with constipation
- Persistent bloating, pain, cramps, or pressure in your abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting along with constipation
- Weight loss and poor appetite even after recovering from stomach flu
These indicate potential post-infectious IBS or incomplete intestinal obstruction after gastroenteritis requiring evaluation. Rarely, a stool mass may be obstructing your colon requiring medical procedures for removal.
End Result
In summary, developing constipation for 3-4 days after the diarrhea from stomach flu stops is very normal.
Complete recovery of your gut flora balance that stimulates healthy bowel function takes a few days. So, getting adequate rest and nutrition allows your digestive system to recuperate. Hydrating well by drinking plenty of fluids and returning to a balanced, fiber-containing diet helps soften stool consistency and promotes normal bowel movements.
Your doctor can check for potential post-infectious IBS, stool impaction, or colonic obstruction requiring suitable targeted treatment. Addressing any underlying conditions promotes long-term gut health and relief from constipation.
If your constipation continues longer than a week after recovering from stomach flu, should you see a doctor or assume it will eventually resolve on its own?
