Associated symptoms

Stress-induced diarrhea is often accompanied by other symptoms in the gastrointestinal tract such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. The stool consistency is fluid, usually resulting in an increased stool frequency of more than 3 times a day. In some cases there is a blood admixture to the stool.

In mild cases of occasional diarrhea after sport, accompanying symptoms may be absent. In addition to diarrhea, competitive and ambitious recreational athletes also suffer more frequently than the normal population from so-called gastroesophageal reflux, i.e. a reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. This leads to irritation of the esophageal mucosa by the stomach acid.

This causes a burning sensation in the stomach area and behind the breastbone, as well as heartburn and acidic belching. Abdominal pain is a frequent accompanying symptom of stress-induced diarrhea. The various pathophysiological changes in the gastrointestinal tract are responsible for this. Various factors, such as an incorrect diet before or during endurance sports or the intake of certain medications, can increase the abdominal pain.

How can I avoid diarrhea after exercise?

If the symptoms are pronounced, physical training should first be reduced in scope and intensity until the symptoms subside. Afterwards, a slow training build-up should follow. In addition, the correct diet before and – in the case of endurance sports lasting several hours – during physical exertion is crucial.

In particular, dietary supplements explicitly offered for athletes, which contain concentrated foods such as carbohydrates or minerals, as well as energy-containing drinks, are suspected of triggering the complaints. Even high-fat meals that remain in the gastrointestinal tract for a long time should be avoided several hours before the start of endurance training. In general, the last larger meal should be taken 2-3 hours before the start of the training session.

Easily digestible, carbohydrate-containing meals should be preferred to fatty, fibre-rich meals.These include rice, noodles or potatoes. Light snacks such as bananas, yogurt or white bread can also be consumed in small quantities shortly before training. A sufficient fluid intake must be ensured before, during and after exercise.

If the above measures are not sufficient, there are several drug options. Loperamide is an active ingredient that reduces intestinal movements and thus counteracts diarrhoea. If abdominal pain is the main symptom, antispasmodic drugs such as Buscopan® can be used.

If bloody diarrhea occurs repeatedly, this indicates a source of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. In athletes, damage to the mucous membranes in the stomach is more often the cause. In this case, acid-inhibiting drugs such as Pantozol® are recommended. We would also like to point out that any use of medication must always be discussed with a specialist.