Why Does My Poop Burn? 7 Common Causes
It’s a scene no one wants to experience – you’re seated on the toilet and suddenly feel an intense burning sensation down under when you poop. Ouch! It’s enough to make you bite your lip and wonder what the heck caused your poop to burn.
We’ve all dealt with an unpleasant burning or stinging feeling during bathroom visits at some point. But when it happens regularly, it can really cramp your style and make you dread doing your business.
In this article, we’ll get to the bottom of why you may feel like your poop is on fire. I’ll go over the most common causes of burning bowel movements, from constipation to spicy foods. You’ll learn key symptoms to watch out for along with tips to prevent that flaming hot feeling.
By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of what’s behind that ring of fire when you poop. We’ll even cover when it’s time to see your doctor about persistent problems like anal fissures. So get ready to extinguish the flames and uncover what really makes your poop burn! This booty fire will be out in no time.
1. Constipation
Infrequent and difficult-to-pass stool is one of the most common reasons for burning poop. Constipation leads to hardened poop that stretches the rectum and anus beyond their normal capacity.
This excessive stretching and straining can cause tiny tears called anal fissures. These delicate tears sting and burn when feces pass over them. Constipation can also create hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins that are extremely sensitive to irritation.
How to find relief: Treat constipation by drinking more fluids, eating high-fiber foods, exercising regularly, and considering stool softeners or laxatives if needed. This will normalize bowel movements and allow fissures and hemorrhoids to heal.
2. Diarrhea
On the flip side, frequent and watery diarrhea can also lead to burning poop. When you have diarrhea, the rectum doesn’t have time to fully absorb water from the stool before you poop.
The result is acidic, irritating stool that contains more bile and stomach enzymes. This chemical stew scalds the sensitive rectum lining, causing a burning sensation when you go.
How to find relief: Stop diarrhea by staying hydrated, avoiding problem foods, and using over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications if needed. Burning should resolve once your BMs return to a normal consistency without excess fluids.
3. Spicy Foods
A favorite buffalo wing or curry dish may be going down pleasantly…until the burn hits your back end. That’s because spicy foods contain capsaicin and other compounds that can irritate the intestines, anus, and rectum.
Eating spicy foods causes temporary inflammation that makes pooping feel like you’re passing hot coals. A food intolerance can make this burning sensation worse.
How to find relief: Avoid trigger foods that seem to aggravate burning poop. Or counteract spices with soothing foods high in healthy fats, like yogurt, eggs, and avocado. Stay hydrated to dilute irritated tissues and coat your rectum.
4. Hemorrhoids
These swollen veins around the anus are a prime suspect for making your poop feel like it’s on fire. Hemorrhoids have many pain-sensing nerves, so they fiercely protest any irritation.
Stool passing over inflamed hemorrhoids leads to burning, stinging, and throbbing with bowel movements. Pregnancy, constipation, and straining worsen irritation.
How to find relief: Treat hemorrhoids by using medicated ointments, warm baths, more fiber, and witch hazel pads. Try squatting instead of sitting to poop. See your doctor for surgical options if hemorrhoids persist.
5. Anal Fissures
These tiny tears in the thin anal lining frequently cause pain while pooping. When stool passes over the fissure, it aggravates the sensitive exposed tissues and causes a feeling like your poop is scorching hot.
Anal fissures develop most often with constipation, but diarrhea and straining can also be culprits. The burning persists until the fissure fully heals.
How to find relief: Soothing ointments, stool softeners, and medicated creams allow fissures to heal. Try to avoid straining and prolonged sitting on the toilet. See your doctor if the fissure fails to heal within a few weeks.
6. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Ongoing burning with bowel movements could signal inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis. These chronic conditions cause inflammation and ulcers along the digestive tract.
As inflamed tissues come in contact with stool, they protest by making your poop feel like fiery lava. IBD also leads to urgent, frequent stools that irritate the rectum.
How to find relief: See a gastroenterologist to diagnose and properly treat IBD through medications, dietary changes, and possibly surgery for severe cases. Proper treatment and symptom management will reduce burning BMs.
7. Anorectal STDs
Burning during bowel movements along with itching, bleeding, and anal discharge could mean a sexually transmitted infection. Gonorrhea, herpes, chlamydia, and syphilis can all infect the anus and rectum.
Inflammation from the STD makes passing stool feel uncomfortably hot. Burning worsens during urination as well.
How to find relief: See your doctor for lab testing to diagnose a possible STD. Prescription antibiotics or antivirals will clear up the infection and any burning, irritation, or discharge.
When to See Your Doctor About Burning Poop
Occasional mildly burning BMs after spicy meals are normal and resolve quickly. But if you experience persistent burning multiple times per week, it’s time to get checked out, especially if you have:
- Pain lasting over a week
- Bleeding along with burning
- Changes in stool consistency
- Weight loss or appetite changes
- Fever or chills
A doctor can examine your symptoms and order tests like a colonoscopy or endoscopy to determine if hemorrhoids, fissures, IBD, or another condition are causing your burning butt predicament.
Don’t let recurring cases of fiery poop go unchecked. Treatment is available to cool down that burning anus and get your bowel movements back to pain-free again. No need to grit your teeth through the misery of flaming poop!
The Bottom Line
Although burning poop can feel like you’re passing the Olympic torch, you don’t have to live with the fiery discomfort. Identify what’s causing the combustion in your bowels.
Constipation, diarrhea, spicy food, hemorrhoids, fissures, IBD, and STDs are some of the most common culprits. Overhauling your diet, practicing healthy bathroom habits, and seeking medical treatment can help extinguish the flames.
With the right solutions, you can start enjoying peaceful poops again without the stress of feeling the burn. Just be sure to consult your doctor if that smoke on the water persists despite home remedies. You’ll get your booty fire under control in no time!