Abnormal Stool: Symptoms and Possible Causes - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Abnormal stool?

I have been experiencing some unusual bowel movements lately.
Initially, my stools were normal but somewhat dry, small (about slightly larger than a five-cent coin), and somewhat hard.
After finishing, there was no pain.
However, about half an hour after eating, I feel some bloating and pain in my lower abdomen, which prompts me to use the restroom.
I then pass yellow, watery stools, with some small pieces of solid stool.
When I wipe, there is yellow mucus on the tissue.
I'm unsure if this is diarrhea or mucus, but it has a faint fishy odor, although not very strong (I have experienced this odor before with diarrhea).
After using the restroom, there is no pain.
This morning, I drank half a cup of milk tea on an empty stomach, and afterward, I felt some bloating and pain.
My stool was normal, consisting of the dragon fruit I ate last.
I only had a sandwich for lunch, and shortly after, I experienced more bloating and pain.
This time, the stool was a deep brown liquid that seemed a bit oily, along with some small pieces of solid stool.
Could this liquid be from the water I drank before bed and the half cup of milk tea I had on an empty stomach? When I wiped, there was deep brown mucus, and the odor was similar to before, with a slight fishy smell.
Additionally, there were seeds from the dragon fruit.
I'm unsure what this issue could be.
I also seem to have symptoms of hemorrhoids, as sometimes there is a bit of blood on the tissue after a bowel movement (less than a grain of rice), and there was one instance of more significant bleeding.
It feels like there is a scratch around the anus, and sitting can cause some pain due to friction.
Sometimes, after sitting for a long time or eating spicy hot pot, the area around the anus becomes swollen and painful.
Could this be hemorrhoids?

Xiao Kang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/10/13

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, you may have some inflammation in your gastrointestinal tract and indigestion.
It is advisable to start a light diet for one or two meals, with less oil and dairy.
The rectal bleeding accompanied by pain at the anal area is most likely due to hemorrhoids.
If the bleeding or pain worsens, please consult a colorectal surgeon.
Wishing you good health.
Dr.
Chen Chih-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.

Reply Date: 2010/10/13

More Info

Understanding abnormal stool and associated symptoms can be quite concerning, especially when accompanied by discomfort or changes in bowel habits. Based on your description, there are several factors to consider regarding your symptoms, which include variations in stool consistency, abdominal pain, and the presence of mucus or blood.

Firstly, the presence of hard, dry stools can indicate constipation, which may be exacerbated by dietary factors, dehydration, or insufficient fiber intake. When stool becomes too hard, it can lead to straining during bowel movements, which might cause discomfort or even minor injuries to the anal area, potentially leading to symptoms of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can manifest as pain, swelling, and sometimes bleeding during or after bowel movements, which aligns with your experience of seeing blood on toilet paper.

The yellow, watery stools you described could suggest a few possibilities. One common cause is a gastrointestinal upset, which might be due to dietary choices, such as consuming rich or fatty foods, or even lactose intolerance, especially after drinking milk tea on an empty stomach. The presence of mucus in your stool can also indicate irritation in the intestines, which can occur with infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The fact that you mentioned a slight odor could suggest a change in your gut flora or the presence of undigested food, which can occur with rapid transit through the intestines.

The deep brown liquid you observed, along with the oily appearance, might indicate the presence of bile or undigested fats, which could be a result of dietary intake or a possible malabsorption issue. If your diet has included high-fat foods, this could explain the oily stools. However, if this continues, it may warrant further investigation to rule out any underlying conditions affecting nutrient absorption.

Your symptoms of abdominal pain after eating, particularly after consuming certain foods, could suggest food intolerance or sensitivity, which is common in conditions like IBS. This condition can lead to a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to monitor your diet closely and consider keeping a food diary to identify any potential triggers. Additionally, increasing your fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with adequate hydration, can help alleviate constipation and improve stool consistency.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, particularly the presence of blood in your stool or significant pain, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend tests such as stool analysis, blood tests, or imaging studies to assess your gastrointestinal health more thoroughly. Early intervention can help address any underlying issues and prevent complications.

In summary, while your symptoms could be related to dietary choices, constipation, or hemorrhoids, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider is essential to rule out more serious conditions and to provide appropriate treatment.

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