Jalaproctitis
Jalaproctitis is the medical term for the rectal burning sensation often experienced by people when they defecate after having eaten jalapenos. It was given this name by researchers at the University of Texas who conducted an experiment to study the effects of jalapenos (whether it acted as an expectorant, caused painful urination, and burning defecation). From the New England Journal of Medicine (Nov 16, 1978):
To investigate these issues, we prospectively studied participants in a jalapeno-pepper eating contest. Subjects included three women and two men ranging in age from 22 to 42. None had a history of lacrimation, rhinorrhea, dysuria or discomfort on defecation before the contest. One was a smoker, and one had cough and scanty sputum production before the contest.
After giving informed consent, subjects consumed as many large jalapenos as could be tolerated in a three-minute period. The number of peppers consumed ranged from three to 13, with a median of five. Three of the participants noted lacrimation and rhinorrhea immediately after the contest. In none did cough or sputum production develop. One male subject complained of dysuria, and four of five noted a burning discomfort on defecation within 24 hours of the contest.
The limited information obtained from this study does not indicate clinical usefulness of jalapeno as an expectorant. We believe that jalapenos may well be the cause of transient dysuria and, in addition, may result in a syndrome of burning defecation that might appropriately be termed "jalaproctitis."
After giving informed consent, subjects consumed as many large jalapenos as could be tolerated in a three-minute period. The number of peppers consumed ranged from three to 13, with a median of five. Three of the participants noted lacrimation and rhinorrhea immediately after the contest. In none did cough or sputum production develop. One male subject complained of dysuria, and four of five noted a burning discomfort on defecation within 24 hours of the contest.
The limited information obtained from this study does not indicate clinical usefulness of jalapeno as an expectorant. We believe that jalapenos may well be the cause of transient dysuria and, in addition, may result in a syndrome of burning defecation that might appropriately be termed "jalaproctitis."
Comments
" Jalaproctitis is the medical term for"...
No. No, it isn't. It's as real as Cocacolonisation.
No. No, it isn't. It's as real as Cocacolonisation.
Posted by Richard Bos on 03/18/23 at 09:37 AM
This study is so small it could only be seen through a microscope. The subject has to be studied again, with a larger array of hot peppers, and a proper amount of students from various ethnic groups. Especially Indians, as all the winners of pepper-eating contests on YouTube are Indians. They should also give a little survey to the students asking them what the syndrome of burning defecation should be named.
Posted by Yudith on 03/20/23 at 06:42 AM
Has given me a new impression of the NEJM. OK for publication date of April 1. Otherwise, not so much.
Posted by Virtual in Carnate on 03/20/23 at 09:03 AM
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Category: Food | Experiments | Body Fluids | Excrement | Pain, Self-inflicted and Otherwise