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Related Experiment Videos

Gastrointestinal problems in runners.

Stephen M Simons1, Robert G Kennedy

  • 1South Bend Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship Program, 53880 Carmichael Drive, South Bend, IN 46635, USA. simonss@sjrmc.com

Current Sports Medicine Reports
|February 26, 2004
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Running can cause upper and lower gastrointestinal issues, including reflux and motility problems. While intense exercise exacerbates symptoms, some medications may offer relief for runners experiencing digestive distress.

Area of Science:

  • Sports Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Exercise Physiology

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances are frequently reported by runners.
  • Symptoms range from upper GI issues like reflux and nausea to lower GI problems such as motility changes and bleeding.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing literature on GI disturbances in runners.
  • To explore the relationship between exercise intensity and symptom severity.
  • To discuss potential management strategies for exercise-induced GI symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies focusing on gastrointestinal issues in runners.
  • Analysis of research examining the effects of exercise on esophageal and intestinal function.
  • Examination of findings related to specific symptoms like reflux, nausea, abdominal pain, and blood loss.

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Main Results:

  • Exercise, particularly intense exertion, can alter esophageal motility and worsen upper GI symptoms.
  • Lower intestinal problems, including motility disturbances and blood loss, are common and directly linked to running.
  • Medications like H(2) blockers may help alleviate symptoms such as reflux and nausea.
  • Endotoxin involvement and transient abdominal pain are also discussed in the context of running.

Conclusions:

  • Running-related GI disturbances encompass both upper and lower GI tract issues.
  • Symptom severity often correlates with exercise intensity, with marathon and ultramarathon runners experiencing more extreme effects.
  • Recreational runners may experience less severe GI issues compared to elite athletes.
  • Further research into management strategies is warranted for athletes experiencing GI distress during exercise.