Loose Stools: Causes and When to Seek Help - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Q: Loose Stools: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello： If there is red in the stool and it does not disperse into the water, it is more likely to be food residue rather than blood. <br>However, if there are still noticeable changes in bowel habits, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist to determine if further examina

Loose and unformed stools?

Since October of last year, I have been experiencing difficulty with bowel movements, which have become slightly thinner than before.
I consulted a doctor at that time and underwent a stool occult blood test, both of which came back normal.
The doctor suggested that it might be due to high stress levels, which I was indeed experiencing.
After January of this year, as my stress levels gradually decreased, my bowel movements became much smoother.
However, recently I have noticed that my stools have been loose and sometimes not fully formed.
When I wipe with toilet paper, it often feels damp, and occasionally I see a small amount of red on the stool, which worries me about the possibility of colorectal cancer.

Mr. Huang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/02/10

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: If there is red in the stool and it does not disperse into the water, it is more likely to be food residue rather than blood.
However, if there are still noticeable changes in bowel habits, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist to determine if further examination is necessary (e.g., colonoscopy).
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-Shun.

Reply Date: 2022/02/10

More Info

Understanding loose stools can be a complex issue, as it can arise from various causes ranging from dietary changes to underlying medical conditions. In your case, it seems that your bowel habits have fluctuated significantly over the past year, which can understandably lead to concern, especially with the presence of blood in your stool.

Causes of Loose Stools:
1. Dietary Factors: Changes in diet, such as increased intake of fatty foods, dairy, or artificial sweeteners, can lead to loose stools. Additionally, consuming high-fiber foods suddenly can also cause changes in bowel consistency.

2. Stress and Anxiety: As you mentioned, stress can significantly impact gastrointestinal function. The gut-brain connection is well-documented, and stress can lead to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which often presents with symptoms of loose stools.

3. Infections: Gastrointestinal infections, whether viral, bacterial, or parasitic, can cause diarrhea. If you have recently traveled or consumed food from questionable sources, this could be a potential cause.

4. Medications: Certain medications, especially antibiotics, can disrupt the normal gut flora, leading to diarrhea. If you have started any new medications, this could be a factor.

5. Chronic Conditions: Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, or even food intolerances (like lactose intolerance) can lead to chronic loose stools.
6. Cancer Concerns: While it is natural to worry about serious conditions like colorectal cancer, it is important to note that loose stools alone, especially if they are intermittent and not accompanied by other alarming symptoms (such as significant weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, or changes in appetite), are less likely to indicate cancer. However, the presence of blood in the stool, even if minimal, should not be ignored.

When to Seek Help:
You should consider seeking medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent loose stools lasting more than a few days.

- Significant blood in your stool, especially if it is bright red or accompanied by other symptoms.

- Severe abdominal pain or cramping.

- Unexplained weight loss.

- Symptoms of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, or reduced urination.

Given your history of stress and the recent changes in your bowel habits, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional. They can conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, stool tests, or imaging studies, to rule out any serious conditions and provide appropriate management.

In the meantime, consider keeping a food diary to identify any potential dietary triggers and practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises. These strategies can help manage stress and may improve your gastrointestinal symptoms.

In summary, while loose stools can be concerning, they are often related to benign causes. However, due to the presence of blood and your ongoing concerns, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation to ensure your health and peace of mind.

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