Effective Ways to Cope When You Urgently Need to Poop (Lee Jin-kyung's Health Tips)

From the Causes of 'Geupddong' to How to Cope

[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-kyung Lee] Suddenly, that moment arrives while riding public transportation. It’s the urgent need to defecate, or “geupddong.” What should you do if it strikes unexpectedly and you cannot immediately access a restroom? Although it’s unpleasant to imagine, simply holding it in causes significant discomfort and leaves you stuck in a difficult situation. So, how should we cope when geupddong hits? Let’s explore various solutions to help endure it better and reach the restroom comfortably.

● What causes geupddong?

Geupddong can result from various causes, ranging from diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and enteritis to simple indigestion. However, if it occurs frequently, it may indicate health issues or lifestyle habits such as regularly holding in bowel movements or consuming spicy foods. It is important to identify the cause and take care to prevent frequent occurrences.

● Is there a special way to hold it in?

Do not bend forward; lean your upper body backward

Leaning your upper body backward narrows the angle through which stool passes, effectively tightening the exit path and allowing you to hold it in longer.

● Cross your legs as much as possible while enduring

It is best to cross your legs in an X shape and maintain this posture as long as possible, repeating slowly several times. Sitting with crossed legs and applying strong pressure on your hips causes surrounding muscles to contract, which can push urgent stool back up toward the rectum. However, be cautious when standing up, as relaxing suddenly may be risky.

● Divert your attention elsewhere

Even if you don’t intend to, your entire focus tends to shift to the urgent need and abdominal pain, which can intensify the sensation. Therefore, quickly redirecting your attention to something else without relaxing your tension helps in holding it in.

● Perform Kegel exercises with intense focus

Contract your anus and tighten the muscles of both buttocks upward. This Kegel exercise helps hold back the urgent stool by tightening the sphincter and blocking the anus. Be careful not to relax or lose focus momentarily, as that could lead to a disaster.

● Press the Sangyang acupoint with your fingernail

The Sangyang acupoint relates to the large intestine and bladder and is located near the base of the index fingernail, slightly toward the thumb side. Gently pressing this spot is said to soothe these two organs effectively.

● Massage the Jangmun acupoint

This acupoint is located on the inner arm about 9?10 cm from the wrist along the outer line of the little finger, near the edge of the palm. Pressing and releasing this point at 3?5 second intervals for more than 10 times can temporarily relieve nausea, intestinal twisting, and abdominal pain, helping you manage the urgent need briefly.

● Apply pressure to the Injung acupoint

The Injung acupoint, located between the nose and upper lip, connects to the brain. Stimulating this point helps activate the brain. Repeatedly pressing and releasing this spot can help hold back urgent defecation temporarily and also aid in relieving indigestion.

● Carry and take emergency medication

If you have irritable bowel syndrome or frequently experience stomach pain when nervous, it is advisable to carry emergency medication. The Japanese pharmaceutical product called “Stopa,” known as a “geupddong medicine,” is recommended. It is an antidiarrheal that stops diarrhea within minutes after taking it. However, since it is not officially imported into Korea and may be hard to obtain, a strong antidiarrheal from a pharmacy can be a good alternative for urgent situations.

● Avoid coffee and food intake during long public transportation rides

Coffee often triggers the urge to defecate because it stimulates digestion and bowel movements. If your digestive system is weak, it is best not to drink coffee before long rides on public transportation. Also, minimize food intake the day before or on the day of travel and reduce beverage or water consumption. Even if you don’t feel an urgent need, it is safer to use the restroom in advance.

● Review and be cautious about your usual eating habits

Certain foods can trigger geupddong. Spicy and stimulating foods, cheese, milk, yogurt, and other dairy products, as well as wheat-based foods that cause gas, may cause indigestion depending on your constitution. If your digestive system is weak, it is better to be selective about what you eat. Spicy foods can heavily burden your digestive system, so it is advisable to avoid them before important events.