Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation

Q: Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation

Hello： Due to your family history and being 55 years old, if you have not undergone a colonoscopy, it is recommended that you have one. <br>Regarding your bowel movements： having a bowel movement once in the morning and again at noon should not be considered too infrequent. <br>T

Eating a lot but having very little bowel movement?

Hello doctor, I exercise regularly every morning and have a large appetite, but I only have small bowel movements before my daily workouts.
I consume a lot of fruits and vegetables, but after lunch, I often feel the urge to have diarrhea, which is usually watery.
Recently, due to a family member being ill (colon cancer), I have been busy taking care of them, and my symptoms have worsened.
I frequently experience abdominal discomfort and visited a doctor who suspected it might be irritable bowel syndrome, attributing it to changes in my lifestyle.
However, I have been eating a lot for quite some time.
Doctor, do you think I need to go to a larger hospital for further examination?

A Tian, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/11/23

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: Due to your family history and being 55 years old, if you have not undergone a colonoscopy, it is recommended that you have one.
Regarding your bowel movements: having a bowel movement once in the morning and again at noon should not be considered too infrequent.
Typically, individuals who have a habit of having bowel movements more than twice a day often find that the first one is well-formed, while the second may be less so, primarily due to incomplete water absorption.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2015/11/23

More Info

When it comes to gastrointestinal issues, especially when symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to seek further medical evaluation. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that could be indicative of several underlying conditions, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), dietary intolerances, or even stress-related gastrointestinal disturbances, particularly given the recent family health crisis.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Daily Bowel Movements and Diet: You mentioned having regular bowel movements, but experiencing watery stools after lunch. This could suggest a reaction to something in your diet or a symptom of IBS. IBS is characterized by a combination of abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, which can include diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both. The fact that you consume a high-fiber diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is generally beneficial, but sometimes, certain high-fiber foods can exacerbate symptoms in sensitive individuals.

2. Impact of Stress: The stress of caring for a family member with a serious illness can significantly impact your gastrointestinal health. Stress is known to affect gut motility and can lead to symptoms similar to those of IBS. It is important to consider whether your symptoms have worsened in correlation with increased stress levels.

3. Need for Further Evaluation: Given your symptoms and the family history of colorectal cancer, it is prudent to consider further evaluation. While IBS is a common diagnosis, especially in younger individuals, it is essential to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms, particularly if there is a family history of gastrointestinal diseases.

Recommendations for Further Action
1. Consult a Gastroenterologist: If your symptoms persist despite dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes, or if they worsen, it would be wise to consult a gastroenterologist. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include blood tests, stool tests, and possibly imaging studies or endoscopic procedures to rule out any serious conditions.

2. Consider a Colonoscopy: Given your family history of colorectal cancer, a colonoscopy may be recommended, especially if you are over the age of 45 or if you have any alarming symptoms such as blood in your stool, significant weight loss, or persistent abdominal pain. A colonoscopy can help identify any polyps, inflammation, or other abnormalities in the colon.

3. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including the frequency and consistency of your stools, any associated pain, and dietary intake. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider in determining the best course of action.

4. Stress Management: Since stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, consider incorporating stress-reducing techniques into your routine. This could include mindfulness practices, yoga, or even talking to a counselor or therapist about your feelings and experiences.

5. Dietary Adjustments: While you are already consuming a healthy diet, it may be beneficial to identify any specific foods that could be triggering your symptoms. Keeping a food diary can help pinpoint any correlations between your diet and gastrointestinal distress.

Conclusion
In summary, while your symptoms may suggest a common condition like IBS, the presence of a family history of colorectal cancer necessitates a cautious approach. Seeking further evaluation from a healthcare professional is advisable to ensure that any serious conditions are ruled out and to receive appropriate management for your symptoms. Remember, early detection and intervention are key in managing gastrointestinal health effectively.

Similar Q&A

Persistent Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Help

Since my school years, I have often experienced diarrhea, but it would resolve quickly. However, after entering the workforce, my gastrointestinal discomfort has worsened. A few years ago, I had inexplicable nausea that made it difficult to eat. After undergoing an endoscopy, no ...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
If there is continuous weight loss or a positive fecal occult blood test, further specialized examinations of the small intestine and other areas are necessary, and a visit to a medical center specializing in small intestine diseases is required.

Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello, for the past few months, I have been experiencing discomfort in my gastrointestinal tract, with frequent lower abdominal pain and bloating. My appetite has decreased, and I have been vomiting after eating. Additionally, I have noticed blood in my stool. I would like to kno...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist, as a physician's interview and physical examination are necessary to determine what tests should be arranged. It is advised to consume more fruits and vegetables, stay hydrated, avoid irritating foods, and have daily ...

Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention

Recently, I have been facing my master's thesis defense, and with the added stress of commuting, my stomach has been constantly churning, accompanied by bowel sounds. When I go to the bathroom, I only pass a small amount of stool, mostly just gas. Although I have experienced...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, sir. You are likely experiencing typical irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or motility disorder. Dietary adjustments and stress management can help, and if necessary (such as before an exam), medication to reduce motility can improve your condition. Wishing you success in you...

Understanding Digestive Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice

Since the start of last school year (September), I have been experiencing mild pain on the sides of my abdomen and in the four corners. At that time, my bowel movements were not very smooth, and the doctor diagnosed me with constipation, advising me to drink more water and eat ve...

Dr. Luo Yining reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
If symptoms persist or worsen despite adjustments in lifestyle and dietary habits, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician or a pediatric gastroenterologist for further evaluation and treatment.