Hyderabad, 21 Sep 2025: In Hyderabad, 55-year-old Mr. Reddy suffered a frightening collapse in his bathroom while straining to pass stool. His wife, alerted by a loud thud, found him unconscious and rushed him to the hospital. This alarming incident highlights a serious but often overlooked condition called defecation syncope, where straining during bowel movements can trigger fainting.
Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a senior neurologist at Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad and trained at CMC Vellore, explains the risks and shares critical prevention strategies to help readers avoid this medical emergency.
On September 20, 2025, Mr. Reddy entered his bathroom to relieve himself, battling chronic constipation. While straining, he suddenly felt dizzy, lost vision, and collapsed. His wife, hearing the noise, found him unresponsive on the floor and quickly sought medical help. At Apollo Hospitals, Dr. Sudhir Kumar evaluated Mr. Reddy and diagnosed defecation syncope, it is a condition where intense straining during defecation causes a temporary loss of consciousness.
Dr. Kumar explains that straining during bowel movements slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure, briefly cutting blood supply to the brain, leading to fainting. “Most patients recover within a minute or two,” Dr. Kumar states, “but there are risks. A fall can cause head injury, and rarely, the heart may pause long enough to cause cardiac arrest.” Mr. Reddy’s chronic constipation and use of blood pressure medication increased his risk for this episode.
To ensure no underlying heart issues, Dr. Kumar ordered an ECG, echocardiogram, and 24-hour Holter monitoring. The tests confirmed no dangerous heart rhythm problems.
"Defecation syncope should never be dismissed as a 'simple faint.'"Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a Neurologist, Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad
Dr. Kumar identifies groups at higher risk for defecation syncope:
Middle-aged and older adults
Individuals with chronic constipation who strain frequently
Patients with heart conditions, such as irregular rhythms or narrowed arteries
Those taking medications that lower blood pressure
Dr. Kumar emphasizes prevention to avoid such incidents. He advised Mr. Reddy to adopt lifestyle changes to manage constipation and reduce straining risks. His recommendations include:
Eat a fiber-rich diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to promote regular bowel movements.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids daily.
Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, to support digestive health.
Avoid prolonged straining or sitting on the toilet, especially while distracted by reading or phone use.
Stand up slowly after using the toilet and alert family if feeling dizzy.
(Rh/Eth/VK)