Digestive Issues: Causes and Solutions for Soft Stools

Q: Digestive Issues: Causes and Solutions for Soft Stools

Hello： In addition to maintaining a light diet, it is important to consider whether emotional stress may be a contributing factor. <br>Furthermore, consuming caffeinated beverages (such as tea or coffee) can stimulate gastrointestinal motility and lead to diarrhea. <br>Additional

Gastrointestinal and bowel issues?

Hello Doctor, on the night of June 11th, I had a normal bowel movement while using the restroom, but a few minutes later, I suddenly experienced some abdominal pain and started having loose stools.
I initially thought it was just due to eating something unclean and that it would resolve by the next day.
However, on the morning of June 12th, after having breakfast, I had to rush to the restroom again, and it was loose stools once more.
Starting that evening, I began eating plain toast or white rice until today.
I also went to the pharmacy to get some medication, but there was not much improvement.
On June 17th, I wondered if it might be due to the hot weather causing some heat exhaustion and diarrhea.
After getting a gua sha treatment, I did feel a bit overheated, and about half an hour later, I had watery stools again.
By June 19th and 20th, there was some improvement, but my bowel movements consisted of normal-shaped stools mixed with some loose stools.

Starting June 21st, I don't know if it was due to the stress of final exams, but I found myself going to the restroom about three times in the morning.
The first bowel movement is usually normal, but the subsequent ones are often loose or watery.
In the evenings, I have not had any bowel movements.
Aside from the abdominal pain on June 11th, I have not experienced any further abdominal discomfort.
The color of my stools has been normal, but I feel an urgent need to go to the restroom suddenly.
Before June 11th, I typically had three bowel movements a day, once in the morning, noon, and evening, and my diet was balanced.
I do not have any bad habits or stay up late, but since remote learning began, I have been staying up until midnight to wait for my laundry to dry.
I would like to ask the doctor why, despite eating a bland diet for such a long time, there has been little improvement.
Thank you, Doctor.

Hi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/25

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: In addition to maintaining a light diet, it is important to consider whether emotional stress may be a contributing factor.
Furthermore, consuming caffeinated beverages (such as tea or coffee) can stimulate gastrointestinal motility and lead to diarrhea.
Additionally, it is advisable to reduce the intake of high-water-content fruits (such as watermelon).
You may start by reviewing your diet, and if there is no improvement and you continue to feel distressed, you should consult a gastroenterologist.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2021/06/25

More Info

Understanding digestive issues, particularly those leading to soft stools, can be complex and multifaceted. Based on your description, it seems you have been experiencing a significant change in your bowel habits, which can be attributed to various factors, including dietary changes, stress, and possibly infections.

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that soft stools can result from a variety of causes. Common reasons include dietary choices, gastrointestinal infections, food intolerances, and stress. In your case, the onset of soft stools following what you believed to be a bout of food poisoning suggests that your digestive system may have been temporarily disrupted. This disruption can sometimes lead to lingering symptoms even after the initial cause has resolved.

You mentioned that you started eating bland foods like white toast and rice, which are typically recommended for managing diarrhea. However, if your symptoms persisted despite these dietary changes, it could indicate that your digestive system is still sensitive or that there may be other underlying issues at play.

Stress is another significant factor that can affect bowel habits. You noted that your symptoms worsened around the time of your exams, which suggests that anxiety or stress could be contributing to your digestive issues. Stress can lead to increased gut motility, resulting in more frequent bowel movements and softer stools. Techniques for managing stress, such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, or even light physical activity, may help alleviate some of the gastrointestinal symptoms.

Additionally, it’s crucial to consider hydration. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can further complicate digestive issues. Ensure that you are drinking plenty of fluids, preferably water or electrolyte solutions, to stay hydrated.

If your symptoms continue or worsen, it may be advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend tests to rule out infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or other gastrointestinal disorders. In some cases, a stool test may be necessary to check for pathogens or other abnormalities.

In terms of treatment, if the soft stools are due to an infection, your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage the symptoms. If food intolerances are suspected, an elimination diet may be beneficial to identify any problematic foods. Probiotics can also be helpful in restoring the balance of gut bacteria, especially after a bout of diarrhea.

In summary, while your initial symptoms may have been triggered by dietary indiscretion or stress, the persistence of soft stools suggests that further investigation may be warranted. Maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, and staying hydrated are essential steps in addressing your symptoms. If the situation does not improve, seeking medical advice is crucial to ensure that any underlying issues are appropriately addressed.

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