IBS or Colorectal Cancer: Your Digestive Symptoms - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Q: IBS or Colorectal Cancer: Your Digestive Symptoms

Hello： After gastroenteritis, there will be a period of intestinal mucosal repair. <br>During this time, bowel habits may be somewhat different. <br>You can continue to observe and try to maintain a light diet, avoiding high-fat and high-protein foods. <br>If there is no improvem

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Colorectal Cancer?

Hello Doctor, I am 22 years old and have a family history of colorectal cancer, so I am particularly concerned.
I started experiencing diarrhea and gas in early March and consulted a doctor.
The doctor diagnosed me with enteritis.
After taking medication, my condition improved, but I have a history of constipation, so my stools were very thick, hard, and dry, appearing dark brown.
However, since the enteritis, my stools have changed to a light yellow color and are softer, though the size and thickness seem normal, similar to a banana.
They are just slightly thinner compared to when I was constipated.
Currently, I still occasionally experience abdominal rumbling and bowel sounds, and I sometimes have diarrhea and gas.
However, my bowel movements, as mentioned earlier, appear less thick and hard than during my constipation phase, and I am having more frequent bowel movements (previously about once every 5-7 days, now about once every 1-3 days; in fact, I had a bowel movement today but just experienced diarrhea again).
I would like to ask the doctor if this indicates that the enteritis has not completely resolved, or if it could be irritable bowel syndrome, or perhaps early symptoms of colitis.
Thank you, Doctor.

Ms. Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/04/13

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: After gastroenteritis, there will be a period of intestinal mucosal repair.
During this time, bowel habits may be somewhat different.
You can continue to observe and try to maintain a light diet, avoiding high-fat and high-protein foods.
If there is no improvement, you may want to consult a gastroenterologist to see if further examination is necessary.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2022/04/13

More Info

When considering the symptoms you've described, it's essential to understand the differences between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and colorectal cancer, especially given your family history of colorectal cancer.
Firstly, 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 choices, and other lifestyle factors. The symptoms can vary widely among individuals, and while they can be distressing, IBS does not cause structural changes in the intestines or increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

On the other hand, colorectal cancer often presents with more alarming symptoms, which can include significant changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal discomfort, and changes in the consistency or shape of stools. The fact that you have a family history of colorectal cancer does place you at a higher risk, and it is crucial to be vigilant about any changes in your digestive health.

In your case, the changes in stool color and consistency, along with the increased frequency of bowel movements, could indicate a few possibilities. The transition from hard, dry stools to softer, more frequent stools after experiencing diarrhea could suggest that your digestive system is still recovering from the episode of enteritis (inflammation of the intestine). It's not uncommon for the bowel to take some time to return to its baseline function after an inflammatory event.

The presence of abdominal rumbling and occasional diarrhea could also suggest that your gut is still adjusting, which is typical after an episode of gastroenteritis. However, if you notice persistent changes in your bowel habits, such as ongoing diarrhea, significant abdominal pain, or any blood in your stool, it would be prudent to seek further evaluation.

Given your concerns, it would be advisable to consider a few steps:
1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including the frequency and consistency of your stools, any abdominal pain, and any other gastrointestinal symptoms. This information will be valuable for your healthcare provider.

2. Dietary Adjustments: Since IBS can be influenced by diet, consider keeping a food diary to identify any potential triggers. Increasing fiber intake gradually and ensuring adequate hydration can help regulate bowel movements.

3. Consult a Specialist: Given your family history and the changes you've experienced, it may be beneficial to consult a gastroenterologist. They may recommend further testing, such as a colonoscopy, especially if your symptoms persist or worsen.

4. Screening: Since you have a family history of colorectal cancer, discussing appropriate screening options with your healthcare provider is essential. Guidelines often recommend starting screening earlier for individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer.

In summary, while your symptoms may be related to IBS or a lingering effect of your previous intestinal inflammation, it is crucial to remain vigilant, especially given your family history. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider and appropriate screenings can help ensure your digestive health is monitored effectively.

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