Diarrhea, characterized by frequent, loose, and watery stools, is a common digestive issue. It often raises questions about whether lying down can make symptoms worse. While lying down does not inherently worsen the underlying condition, it can influence related discomforts.
How Lying Down Affects Digestion
Gravity aids digestion by moving food and waste through the gastrointestinal tract. When a person lies down, this gravitational assistance is reduced, affecting how contents move through the stomach and intestines. This can sometimes lead to slower stomach emptying.
Lying flat can also contribute to acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. Gravity no longer helps keep stomach acid down, making it easier for acid to escape through the lower esophageal sphincter. Heartburn or a burning sensation in the chest can become more pronounced when reclined.
Gas movement within the intestines can also be impacted by lying down. While upright, gas can more easily rise and be expelled. When horizontal, gas may become trapped or move differently, leading to increased bloating and discomfort, which can feel more noticeable during diarrhea.
Why You Might Feel Worse
Lying still can heighten awareness of bodily sensations, making symptoms like abdominal cramping, gurgling, and bloating seem more intense. Without daily distractions, a person might focus more keenly on the internal discomforts associated with diarrhea. This increased focus can contribute to a subjective feeling that symptoms are worsening.
The urgency for a bowel movement can be amplified when lying down, particularly if not in close proximity to a restroom. This is often a psychological factor, as the physical sensation combined with a lack of immediate access can increase anxiety and discomfort. Reduced physical activity can also lead to stiffness and muscle tension, making existing abdominal pain feel more pronounced.
Strategies for Comfort and Relief
Elevating the head and upper body can help alleviate discomfort when lying down with diarrhea. Using pillows or an adjustable bed to raise the torso can reduce acid reflux by keeping the esophagus above the stomach. This position allows gravity to assist in keeping stomach contents in place.
Sleeping on the left side is often recommended for digestive comfort. This position may aid digestion by helping waste move through the intestines and reduce acid reflux, as the stomach is positioned lower than the esophagus. Applying a heating pad to the abdomen can also provide soothing relief for cramps and discomfort.
Ensuring easy and quick access to a bathroom is another practical strategy to minimize anxiety and discomfort during episodes of diarrhea. Staying well-hydrated by drinking clear fluids, such as water, broths, and electrolyte solutions, is crucial to prevent dehydration. Incorporating bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (often referred to as the BRAT diet) can also help settle the digestive system.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most acute diarrhea resolves within days, but certain signs indicate the need for medical evaluation. Seek medical attention if diarrhea lasts more than two days in adults or more than 24 hours in children. Signs of severe dehydration, including excessive thirst, dry mouth, reduced urination, dizziness, or lightheadedness, warrant immediate medical consultation.
Other concerning symptoms include a high fever, severe abdominal or rectal pain, and the presence of blood or black, tarry stools. Unexplained weight loss with chronic diarrhea, or diarrhea after travel, should also prompt a visit to a healthcare provider.