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Runners' diarrhea. Different patterns and associated factors.
1GI Unit, Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Many distance runners experience bowel issues, including fecal incontinence and diarrhea, impacting training and competition. These "runners
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) distress is common in athletes.
- Understanding the prevalence and triggers of GI issues in runners is crucial for performance and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of various bowel function disturbances in distance runners.
- To identify potential correlations between specific running-induced GI symptoms and other health factors.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was administered to 109 distance runners.
- The survey assessed bowel habits, including incontinence, defecation during exercise, pre- and post-exercise diarrhea, and associated symptoms.
Main Results:
- 12% reported fecal incontinence during running; 62% stopped to defecate during training.
- 43% experienced pre-competition diarrhea; 47% reported post-race diarrhea, sometimes with blood (16%).
- Pre-competition diarrhea linked to milk intolerance and non-exercise bowel irregularities; post-race diarrhea associated with cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
Conclusions:
- "Runners' diarrhea" is prevalent and multifactorial, affecting a significant portion of distance runners.
- Symptoms like pre-competition diarrhea may indicate underlying GI sensitivities (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance).
- Post-race diarrhea with severe symptoms warrants further investigation for potential gastrointestinal distress.