Medical Questions » Gut (Intestines) Questions » Question No. 442
| Question: | After I have anything more than a snack to eat, I have to rush to the toilet to pass a motion. It' s getting embarrassing! How can I stop this? |
| Answer: | In all animals there is a reflex known as the gastro-colic reflex. This acts so that when the stomach becomes distended by food, the rectum (last part of the gut) contracts to move out faeces. This reflex is easily seen in animals such as cattle and horses. In humans, the reflex is better controlled, for obvious social reasons, but it is still easier and better to go to the toilet after the main meal of the day than at other times.
Some unlucky people have an ovetactive gastro-colic reflex. This may be due to some disease or chronic irritation of the lower part of the gut, and it would be essential for you to see a doctor for a large bowel examination to exclude any problems in this area.
Colonoscopy involves passing a flexible tube into your back passage. Through this, the inside of your gut can be easily seen and any diseases identified. If nothing is found, exercises to improve your bowel control may be tried, dietary modification may be useful, and as a last resort medications can be prescribed to help your problem.
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