Yellow, Loose Stools: When to Seek Medical Help - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Occasionally, the stool is loose, unformed, and yellow in color?

I have been experiencing loose and unformed stools.
Last month, I had a sore throat and consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.
After taking herbal medicine, I ended up with diarrhea, and later, watery stools! The practitioner prescribed medication for diarrhea to clear heat, but even after stopping the medication, I still occasionally have loose stools.
Sometimes they are shaped, sometimes they are loose, and they are always yellow.
Due to eating out, I don’t have a bowel movement every day.
What could be causing the loose, unformed stools? I am quite anxious about this.
Which specialist should I see, and how can I improve this condition? Why is this happening? Should I consult traditional Chinese medicine or Western medicine? Which department should I visit in a large hospital? Also, would taking probiotics help improve my condition? Thank you for your assistance.

Miss Wang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/27

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Dear Ms.
Wang,
Hello.
Based on your symptoms, it is possible that you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
I recommend that you first consult with a gastroenterologist for evaluation and examination to rule out any other issues.
As for probiotics, they can be taken and may improve your condition, depending on your individual response.

Changhua Hospital cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2016/04/27

More Info

When dealing with yellow, loose stools, it’s important to understand the potential causes and when to seek medical help. Loose stools can be a result of various factors, including dietary changes, infections, gastrointestinal disorders, or reactions to medications. In your case, the onset of loose stools following the consumption of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) raises a few considerations.

Firstly, the color and consistency of your stools can provide clues about what might be happening in your digestive system. Yellow stools can indicate that food is moving through the intestines too quickly, which may prevent proper absorption of nutrients and bile pigments. This rapid transit can be caused by several factors, including dietary choices, stress, or gastrointestinal infections.

Since you mentioned that you experienced throat discomfort and subsequently took TCM, it’s possible that the herbs or medications you consumed could have affected your gastrointestinal tract. Some herbal remedies can have laxative effects or alter gut flora, leading to changes in stool consistency. If you have stopped taking the TCM and are still experiencing symptoms, it may be time to consider other underlying issues.

Given that your stools are occasionally formed but often loose, it’s essential to monitor any accompanying symptoms. If you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, blood in your stools, or persistent diarrhea lasting more than a couple of days, you should seek medical attention promptly. These could be signs of a more serious condition, such as an infection or inflammatory bowel disease.

In terms of which medical specialty to consult, a gastroenterologist would be the most appropriate choice. They specialize in digestive system disorders and can conduct necessary tests, such as stool analysis or imaging studies, to determine the cause of your symptoms. If you prefer to explore traditional remedies, consulting a qualified TCM practitioner may also be beneficial, but it’s crucial to ensure that any treatments do not interfere with your overall health.

As for dietary changes, incorporating probiotics, such as those found in yogurt or supplements, can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut, potentially improving stool consistency. However, it’s important to introduce probiotics gradually and monitor your response. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber can help regulate bowel movements.

In summary, while occasional loose stools can be a benign issue, persistent changes warrant further investigation. Keep track of your symptoms, dietary habits, and any other health changes. If necessary, consult a gastroenterologist for a thorough evaluation. Taking proactive steps, such as dietary adjustments and possibly incorporating probiotics, may also aid in improving your digestive health. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health, so don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if your symptoms persist or worsen.

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