Digestive Issues: Persistent Bloating and Incomplete Bowel Movements

Q: Digestive Issues: Persistent Bloating and Incomplete Bowel Movements

Hello： Based on your symptoms and condition, it appears to be a case of general gastroenteritis. <br>However, the use of medication has led to a recurrence of symptoms. <br>It is recommended to avoid using strong antidiarrheal medications; instead, you may consider using some pro

Dyspepsia and a constant urge to defecate or pass gas without any results?

Hello doctor, I have been experiencing diarrhea for two weeks.
It started off particularly severe, with five to six episodes daily.
After six days, it progressed to the point where I was only passing gas and watery stool.
I developed a slight fever and felt weak, so I went to the emergency room.
The doctor examined my stool and drew blood, stating that everything was fine, and prescribed medications for diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.
The doctor mentioned that if I didn’t have another bowel movement six hours after taking the medication, I wouldn’t need to take it again, so I took it once.

After about three days, I had a bowel movement, but the stool was hard and still contained a lot of undigested food remnants, such as vegetables, carrots, and tomatoes, which scared me into thinking it was blood in my stool.
A couple of days later, my stool became watery again, but it wasn’t as severe as the first episode.
After nearly two weeks, I saw the doctor again, who prescribed more medications for diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.
I was worried about becoming constipated, so I only took the medication once.

Over the next two to three days, my bowel movements gradually formed, occurring once or twice a day, but I still experienced indigestion with a lot of vegetable remnants, including carrots, which was quite alarming.
I visited a nearby hospital again, and this time it seemed like they prescribed anti-inflammatory medication? I didn’t take the anti-diarrheal medication but did take the anti-inflammatory one.
Since then, my stool has been gradually forming, but I constantly feel the urge to have a bowel movement, which often results in just passing gas or nothing at all, making me quite uncomfortable.
Is this normal? The doctor said that if I start having diarrhea again after finishing the medication, I would need to undergo a colonoscopy.

Fang Xun, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/09/12

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: Based on your symptoms and condition, it appears to be a case of general gastroenteritis.
However, the use of medication has led to a recurrence of symptoms.
It is recommended to avoid using strong antidiarrheal medications; instead, you may consider using some probiotics and digestive enzymes.
In terms of diet, opt for low-fat and low-dairy foods, and maintain a light diet to facilitate the recovery of the intestinal mucosa without adding excessive burden.
Wishing you good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.

Reply Date: 2011/09/12

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex set of digestive issues that have persisted for some time, leading to discomfort and concern about your bowel movements. Based on your description, it seems you have gone through a cycle of diarrhea, incomplete bowel movements, and persistent bloating, which can be quite distressing.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Diarrhea and Incomplete Bowel Movements: The initial phase of diarrhea you experienced, especially with the frequency of five to six times a day, could indicate an acute gastrointestinal infection or a reaction to something you ate. The presence of undigested food in your stool, such as vegetables, suggests that your body may not be properly digesting food, which can be due to several factors including rapid transit time through the intestines, insufficient digestive enzymes, or even an underlying condition affecting your gut.

2. Bloating and Urgency: The feeling of bloating and the urgency to have a bowel movement, yet often only passing gas or little stool, can be indicative of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is characterized by a combination of symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation). Stress, dietary choices, and gut flora imbalances can exacerbate these symptoms.

3. Post-Diarrhea Symptoms: After a period of diarrhea, it is common for the digestive system to take some time to return to normal. The sensation of needing to have a bowel movement without being able to pass stool can be frustrating and uncomfortable. This could be due to residual irritation in the bowel or a change in your gut motility.

Recommendations
1. Dietary Adjustments: Since you mentioned that certain foods seem to exacerbate your symptoms, it may be beneficial to keep a food diary to identify any triggers. A diet low in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) can help reduce bloating and gas. Focus on easily digestible foods, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet) during acute phases.

2. Hydration: Ensure you are staying well-hydrated, especially after episodes of diarrhea. Electrolyte solutions can help replenish lost fluids and salts.

3. Probiotics: Consider incorporating probiotics into your routine. These can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut, which may be disrupted after diarrhea.

4. Stress Management: Since stress can significantly impact gut health, practices such as mindfulness, yoga, or gentle exercise may help alleviate some of the symptoms.

5. Follow-Up with Healthcare Provider: Given the persistence of your symptoms, it is crucial to maintain communication with your healthcare provider. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, further investigations such as a colonoscopy may be warranted to rule out any underlying conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other gastrointestinal disorders.

Conclusion
In summary, while some of your symptoms may align with IBS, it is essential to consider a comprehensive approach that includes dietary management, hydration, and possibly further medical evaluation. Your healthcare provider is the best resource for personalized advice and treatment options based on your specific situation. If you continue to experience discomfort or changes in your bowel habits, do not hesitate to seek further medical attention.

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