Your Digestive Issues: Causes of Frequent Diarrhea and Sensitivity

Gastrointestinal diarrhea

As a child, I often experienced diarrhea.
Six months ago, I underwent a fecal screening for colorectal cancer, which returned normal results, indicating that my intestines are somewhat sensitive.
Recently, I have been having normal bowel movements in the morning, which are dark brown in color.
However, my second bowel movement of the day tends to present with diarrhea symptoms.
I am drinking an adequate amount of water, around 2000cc, and occasionally experience abdominal pain that resolves after a bowel movement.
My diet is normal, and I do not consume spicy foods.
This pattern has persisted for about five days, with bowel movements alternating between normal and diarrhea.
Some days I have normal bowel movements throughout the day, while on other days, I experience this fluctuation for 3 to 10 days.
Could you please advise what symptoms I might be experiencing?

Tang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/25

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, sir.
You only have irritable bowel syndrome; adjusting your lifestyle and dietary habits is sufficient.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Chen Shidian.

Reply Date: 2016/12/25

More Info

Frequent diarrhea and digestive sensitivity can be quite distressing, especially when they have been ongoing since childhood. Based on your description, it seems that you have experienced a history of gastrointestinal issues, including episodes of diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. While you have undergone a fecal screening for colorectal cancer that returned normal, it is essential to consider other potential causes for your symptoms.

One possible explanation for your symptoms could be a condition known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea and constipation. It is often triggered by stress, dietary factors, or changes in gut flora. Given that you mentioned your bowel movements can fluctuate between normal and diarrhea, this could align with the symptoms of IBS.

Another potential cause could be food intolerances or sensitivities. Common culprits include lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, or reactions to certain food additives. Even if your diet seems normal and you avoid spicy foods, there may be other foods that could be triggering your symptoms. Keeping a food diary to track what you eat and any subsequent digestive symptoms may help identify any patterns or specific triggers.

Additionally, stress and anxiety can significantly impact digestive health. The gut-brain connection is well-documented, and emotional stress can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances. If you have been experiencing increased stress or anxiety, it may be worthwhile to explore stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, or cognitive-behavioral therapy.

It is also important to consider the possibility of infections or inflammatory conditions. If you have experienced any recent changes in your health, such as fever, weight loss, or blood in your stool, it would be crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Chronic infections or inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, may require specific treatments.

Given the complexity of gastrointestinal issues, I recommend consulting with a gastroenterologist. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include additional tests such as blood work, stool tests, or imaging studies to rule out any underlying conditions. They can also provide guidance on dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and potential medications to help manage your symptoms.

In summary, your symptoms of frequent diarrhea and digestive sensitivity could be attributed to several factors, including IBS, food intolerances, stress, or other gastrointestinal conditions. A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Remember, you are not alone in this, and seeking help is a crucial step toward finding relief and improving your quality of life.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues

I have had gastrointestinal issues since childhood, experiencing frequent diarrhea and poorly formed stools. I often feel mild abdominal pain when I need to use the restroom, and I go to the bathroom 2-3 times a day. My diet is quite bland (not greasy and with minimal seasoning),...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by rapid peristalsis, which is generally not harmful to health. However, it is important to monitor for any signs of blood in the stool or rapid weight loss. It is advisable to keep medication on hand for when it is needed.

Understanding Frequent Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Hello Doctor: Recently, I've been experiencing a lot of work-related stress and have been going to the bathroom 2-3 times in the morning (diarrhea). However, once I surpass the duration of diarrhea without going to the bathroom, the symptoms tend to lessen, and my bowel move...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Dear Mr. SUSU: After reviewing your case, your symptoms are more indicative of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This condition is commonly seen in younger individuals and is often related to stress. Some people experience the constipation subtype, others the diarrhea subtype, and ...

Chronic Diarrhea: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help

Hello, Dr. Lin! I have been experiencing diarrhea for over a year, but it's not daily. However, I have episodes every two to three days (when it's better), and every time I eat, I get stomach pain and rush to the bathroom! Sometimes the pain lasts for about a minute! I ...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. There are many causes of diarrhea, including dietary factors (such as unclean or greasy foods), intestinal inflammation, and the presence of growths in the intestines (such as polyps or tumors), as well as biliary and pancreatic diseases. Early-stage cancer may not pres...

Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes of Frequent Diarrhea After Meals

Hello doctor, I've been experiencing diarrhea frequently after meals lately. I often have to go to the bathroom two to three times after breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the stools are watery. What could be the issue? Could it be related to a small tumor growing in the anus...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
Based on your description, it seems more like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). I recommend starting with a light diet and maintaining a good daily routine. You should avoid spicy, irritating, and greasy foods. If the symptoms persist without improvement, you may want to consult a ...