Chronic Diarrhea: Is Smoking and Drinking to Blame?

Q: Chronic Diarrhea: Is Smoking and Drinking to Blame?

Hello, sir： Bad habits and consumption of milk and greasy foods can easily lead to soft stools or diarrhea, often due to rapid peristalsis. <br>First, a stool occult blood test should be performed to rule out colorectal cancer. <br>Additionally, taking gastrointestinal medication

For the past three years, bowel movements have been achieved through manual assistance?

Hello doctor, I am asking questions on behalf of my father because he refuses to go to the hospital for a check-up.
I can only seek help here.
My father has been experiencing diarrhea every time he has a bowel movement for the past three years and has never had a normal bowel movement.
He goes to the bathroom one or two times a month, and on those days, he may go 3 to 4 times, also with diarrhea.
He has some unhealthy habits: smoking and drinking alcohol for 10 to 20 years.
Could these bad habits be the cause of his condition?

Nìmíng, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/24

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, sir: Bad habits and consumption of milk and greasy foods can easily lead to soft stools or diarrhea, often due to rapid peristalsis.
First, a stool occult blood test should be performed to rule out colorectal cancer.
Additionally, taking gastrointestinal medication before meals can help regulate peristalsis and improve your condition.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Chen Shidian

Reply Date: 2015/10/24

More Info

Chronic diarrhea can be a distressing condition, and it’s understandable that you’re seeking answers for your father, especially given his reluctance to seek medical help. The habits of smoking and drinking alcohol can indeed have significant impacts on gastrointestinal health, potentially contributing to chronic diarrhea.

Firstly, smoking is known to affect the digestive system in various ways. It can alter gut motility, which may lead to diarrhea or constipation. Nicotine, a key component of tobacco, can stimulate the intestines, leading to increased bowel movements. Additionally, smoking can damage the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, impairing its ability to absorb nutrients and leading to malabsorption issues, which can also manifest as diarrhea.

On the other hand, alcohol consumption can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Chronic alcohol use can lead to inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) and can also affect the pancreas, leading to conditions such as pancreatitis. Both of these conditions can result in diarrhea. Furthermore, alcohol can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, which is essential for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. This disruption can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea.

Given your father's history of smoking and drinking for 10 to 20 years, it is plausible that these habits are contributing to his chronic diarrhea. However, it is essential to consider other potential causes as well. Chronic diarrhea can result from a variety of conditions, including infections, inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food intolerances, and malabsorption syndromes.
The fact that your father has experienced diarrhea for three years without a normal bowel movement is concerning and warrants medical evaluation. While lifestyle factors like smoking and drinking can contribute to gastrointestinal issues, a thorough examination by a healthcare professional is necessary to rule out more serious underlying conditions.
Encouraging your father to seek medical attention is crucial. A healthcare provider can perform necessary tests, such as stool tests, blood tests, and imaging studies, to determine the underlying cause of his symptoms. They can also provide guidance on lifestyle modifications, including smoking cessation and reducing alcohol intake, which can significantly improve his gastrointestinal health.

In summary, while smoking and drinking alcohol can contribute to chronic diarrhea, it is vital to explore other potential causes through medical evaluation. Encouraging your father to seek help is the best course of action to address his symptoms and improve his overall health.

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