For nearly a month, there has been daily loose stools and diarrhea, which are orange-red in color?
About a month ago, everything seemed normal, but I experienced frequent diarrhea.
After taking an unpaid leave for nearly a month, I've been eating only one meal a day, drinking beverages daily, and experiencing diarrhea every day.
Sometimes the stools are very loose, my appetite is poor, I often stay up late, and I've lost nearly ten kilograms.
However, in the past two weeks, I've started to notice soft stools that are bright orange-red in color, without consuming any related medications or orange foods.
I have daily abdominal pain (which subsides after using the restroom), and I've checked for suspected hemorrhoids, but I don't feel any pain.
I would like to know what might be causing this.
Should I go to the hospital for an examination, or could it be due to poor lifestyle habits?
Mā, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/06
Dr. Yu Mingchang reply Surgery
Hello: Please take some time to check with the colorectal department to schedule a colonoscopy.
The Changhua Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about you.
Reply Date: 2021/09/06
More Info
Experiencing daily orange-red diarrhea for a month can be concerning, especially when accompanied by weight loss, poor appetite, and abdominal pain. The changes in stool color and consistency, along with the frequency of diarrhea, suggest that there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
Firstly, the orange-red color of your stool could be attributed to several factors. One possibility is the consumption of certain foods or beverages that can alter stool color. However, you mentioned that you have not consumed any orange-colored foods or medications. This leads us to consider other causes, such as the presence of bile in the stool, which can occur when there is a disruption in the digestive process. Conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas can lead to changes in bile production and secretion, potentially resulting in altered stool color.
Another important consideration is the impact of your dietary habits and lifestyle changes. You mentioned that you have been on unpaid leave and have been eating only one meal a day, along with consuming beverages that may not be nutritious. This drastic change in your eating pattern can lead to malnutrition, which can affect your gastrointestinal health and contribute to diarrhea. Additionally, stress and irregular sleep patterns can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, leading to increased bowel movements and discomfort.
The abdominal pain you experience, which subsides after a bowel movement, is also noteworthy. This pattern can indicate that the pain is related to bowel activity, possibly due to irritation or inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or infections could be contributing factors.
Given the duration of your symptoms—particularly the persistent diarrhea, significant weight loss (around ten kilograms), and the change in stool color—it is crucial to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, blood tests, and stool analysis to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. They may also consider imaging studies if necessary.
In summary, while lifestyle factors such as poor diet and irregular sleep may contribute to your symptoms, the presence of orange-red diarrhea and significant weight loss warrants further investigation. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible to rule out any serious conditions and receive appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help prevent complications and improve your overall health.
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