Digestive Disturbances: Insights on Bowel Changes - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Psychological unease

Hello Doctor: Recently, I have noticed that my bowel habits seem to have changed.
Ever since I ate half of a pomelo three weeks ago, I had a lot of bowel movements the next day.
After a week, my stools felt soft and short, and there was one instance where I had a longer, thinner stool.
I consulted a doctor who suggested it might be norovirus and prescribed medication.
However, I only took the medication for one day, thinking I was fine, and then stopped.
Since then, I have continued to experience soft and short stools.
When I wipe, the toilet paper feels quite wet, and sometimes after eating, I feel the urge to go, but the output is minimal, around 6 to 7 centimeters.
Recently, I visited a gastroenterologist who also thought it might be due to my recent indigestion.
I then started eating more fruits.
Yesterday, my stool quantity seemed more normal, but today I felt the urge again, and the stools were in small, unformed pieces.
Could you please share your thoughts on this?

Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/20

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, sir.
It appears to be a short-term gastrointestinal motility disorder, which is not harmful to your health.
You can adjust your medication and diet in consultation with your physician.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Chen Shidian

Reply Date: 2016/11/20

More Info

Understanding digestive disturbances, particularly changes in bowel habits, can be quite complex and often requires a thorough evaluation of various factors, including diet, stress, and underlying medical conditions. Based on your description, it seems you have experienced a notable shift in your bowel habits over the past few weeks, which has raised concerns about your digestive health.

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that changes in bowel habits can be influenced by a variety of factors. You mentioned consuming a large pomelo, which is high in fiber and can lead to increased bowel movements. This could have triggered a temporary change in your digestive pattern. The presence of soft and short stools, as well as the sensation of incomplete evacuation, can sometimes be attributed to dietary changes, particularly an increase in fiber intake or the introduction of new foods.

The mention of norovirus is also significant. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If you were indeed infected, it could explain the initial changes in your bowel habits. However, since you stopped taking the prescribed medication after just one day, it’s possible that the infection was not fully resolved, leading to lingering symptoms.

The fact that you are experiencing soft, short stools and sometimes incomplete evacuation could suggest a few possibilities:
1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea and constipation. Stress and dietary factors often play a significant role in triggering symptoms.

2. Dietary Factors: You mentioned incorporating more fruits into your diet, which can affect stool consistency. While fruits are generally beneficial for digestion, sudden increases in fiber can sometimes lead to softer stools. It’s essential to balance fiber intake with adequate hydration to prevent digestive discomfort.

3. Gastrointestinal Motility Issues: If your intestines are moving too quickly, it can result in softer stools. Conversely, if they are moving too slowly, it can lead to constipation. Both scenarios can cause discomfort and the sensation of incomplete evacuation.

4. Infection or Inflammation: If there is an underlying infection or inflammatory condition, it could lead to changes in bowel habits. This includes conditions like gastroenteritis, colitis, or even food intolerances.

Given your symptoms and the duration of these changes, it would be prudent to consider further evaluation. Here are some recommendations:
- Keep a Food Diary: Documenting what you eat and your bowel habits can help identify any patterns or triggers related to your symptoms.

- Hydration: Ensure you are drinking enough fluids, especially if you are experiencing diarrhea. Dehydration can exacerbate digestive issues.

- Consult a Gastroenterologist: Since you have already seen a doctor, it may be beneficial to follow up with a gastroenterologist for a more comprehensive evaluation. They may recommend tests such as stool analysis, blood tests, or imaging studies to rule out any underlying conditions.

- Consider Probiotics: These can help restore the balance of gut bacteria, especially after an infection. However, consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.

- Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any additional symptoms such as weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, or blood in your stools, as these could indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate attention.

In summary, while changes in bowel habits can often be benign and related to dietary changes or infections, persistent symptoms warrant further investigation. It’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

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