Abnormal Bowel Movements and Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Abnormal bowel movements, bleeding, and nausea?

My mother is 48 years old, and she has described her "abnormal bowel movements" for over a year.
She has multiple bowel movements a day, sometimes 3 to 4 times or more, with episodes of diarrhea and sometimes just soft stools.
Occasionally, there is blood on the toilet paper when she wipes, and recently she mentioned that the amount of blood is significant, resembling menstrual flow in the toilet.
She does not have a loss of appetite; she feels like eating, but after eating, she has a sensation of nausea, although she does not actually vomit.
She also experiences a bitter taste in her mouth.

Could you please tell me what condition my mother might have? Recently, she has started experiencing diarrhea after drinking milk and eating spicy foods, although she did not have this issue before.
She has always consumed spicy foods frequently.
Is this related to her missing teeth? She is missing a total of 6 molars, both upper and lower.
She mentions that she mostly chews with her front teeth, which means some foods are not chewed thoroughly before swallowing (such as meat).
Additionally, she has been on long-term psychiatric medication for mood stabilization.
There was a concern that the medication might contain ingredients that cause soft stools or diarrhea, but her psychiatrist stated that it does not.

pinky, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/04/11

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello,
1.
Some individuals experience diarrhea and bloating due to lactose intolerance when consuming milk.

2.
Generally, spicy foods can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and lead to diarrhea.

3.
Missing teeth, poor chewing ability, and reduced secretion of digestive juices can affect the digestion and absorption of food.

4.
Mental illnesses or medications can sometimes impact gastrointestinal motility or cause constipation.

5.
However, the presence of blood in the stool is abnormal and requires examination.
The most common cause of bloody stools is hemorrhoids, but conditions such as colorectal cancer, polyps, and diverticulosis should also be considered.
It is advisable to undergo examination if there is blood in the stool and abnormal bowel movements.

Wishing you good health,
Dr.
Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health

Reply Date: 2009/04/11

More Info

Understanding abnormal bowel movements and gastrointestinal bleeding is crucial, especially in the context of your mother's symptoms. Based on the information provided, your mother is experiencing a range of gastrointestinal issues, including frequent bowel movements (3-4 times a day), alternating between diarrhea and soft stools, and the presence of blood on toilet paper, which has recently increased in volume. Additionally, she has reported a lack of appetite, nausea after eating, and a bitter taste in her mouth.
These symptoms can be indicative of several gastrointestinal disorders. The presence of blood in the stool, especially in significant amounts, raises concerns about potential underlying conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even more serious conditions like colorectal cancer. Given your mother's age and the nature of her symptoms, it is essential to approach this situation with caution.

1. Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures: These are common causes of rectal bleeding, especially if your mother has been experiencing frequent diarrhea, which can lead to irritation and inflammation in the anal region. The fact that she has been using the toilet frequently could exacerbate these conditions.

2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause symptoms similar to what your mother is experiencing, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding. These conditions often require specific diagnostic tests, such as colonoscopy, to confirm.

3. Dietary Factors: You mentioned that your mother has recently developed a sensitivity to milk and spicy foods, which could indicate lactose intolerance or a food sensitivity that has developed over time. This could contribute to her gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea. The fact that she has missing teeth may also affect her ability to chew food properly, leading to digestive issues, especially with tougher foods like meat.

4. Medication Side Effects: While her psychiatrist has indicated that the medications she is taking do not typically cause diarrhea, it is essential to consider that individual responses to medications can vary. If she has been on these medications for an extended period, it might be worth revisiting this issue with her healthcare provider.

5. Gastrointestinal Infections: Given the changes in her bowel habits, it is also possible that she could have a gastrointestinal infection, which can cause diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. This is particularly relevant if she has consumed any questionable food or water.

Given the complexity of her symptoms and the potential for serious underlying conditions, it is crucial that your mother seeks medical attention as soon as possible. A thorough evaluation by a gastroenterologist is recommended. This evaluation may include:
- A detailed medical history and physical examination.

- Laboratory tests, including blood tests to check for anemia or infection.

- Stool tests to identify any pathogens or blood.

- Imaging studies or endoscopic procedures (like a colonoscopy) to visualize the gastrointestinal tract and obtain biopsies if necessary.

In the meantime, it would be wise for your mother to keep a food diary to track her symptoms in relation to her diet, which may help her healthcare provider identify potential triggers. Additionally, maintaining hydration is essential, especially if she is experiencing diarrhea.

In summary, your mother's symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes, especially if a serious condition is present.

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