Abnormal Bowel Movements: Causes and Concerns - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Q: Abnormal Bowel Movements: Causes and Concerns

Hello： It is difficult to determine whether it is acute gastroenteritis; however, in cases of severe constipation, there can be alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea. <br>This occurs because the accumulation and overgrowth of intestinal bacteria due to constipation ca

Bowel irregularities

I have been experiencing constipation issues, usually having a bowel movement every two to three days, and sometimes it improves to once a day.
However, in the past two weeks, my constipation has worsened, with bowel movements occurring every three to four days.
Sometimes the stool is of normal size, but other times it is just thin strands.
I have intermittent pain in my lower left and lower right abdomen.
I feel the urge to have a bowel movement every day, but it feels like there is a blockage at the anus, preventing me from passing stool.
Two days ago, I suddenly started having diarrhea, but the amount was very small and accompanied by dark brown mucus, with seven episodes that day.
Yesterday, I had six episodes, and after eating dragon fruit, my stool turned purple.
However, during the last bowel movement, the mucus was bright red in small amounts, and I am unsure if that is blood; there was no blood on the toilet paper, just a small amount of stool.
The intermittent pain in my lower left and lower right abdomen has continued over the past two days.
Today, I did not have diarrhea or a normal bowel movement; I only passed a thin, small stool that had a large amount of white, fluffy material covering about half of its surface.
The mucus was not abundant and was dark brown.
I still have intermittent pain in my lower abdomen, and now my lower back has started to hurt as well.
Over the past three days, my urine has also turned darker.
My sleep schedule is irregular due to work, and I drink about two liters of water daily.
I pay attention to my food intake, as I have gastroesophageal reflux disease.
I am very worried, but my parents say it’s nothing serious and that I don’t need to see a doctor.
Could this be intestinal inflammation?

AAA, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/06

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: It is difficult to determine whether it is acute gastroenteritis; however, in cases of severe constipation, there can be alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea.
This occurs because the accumulation and overgrowth of intestinal bacteria due to constipation can lead to subsequent diarrhea.
If you have any questions, you may consult a gastroenterologist.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2015/12/06

More Info

Understanding abnormal bowel movements can be quite complex, as they can stem from a variety of causes, including dietary habits, stress, underlying medical conditions, and even medication side effects. Based on your description of experiencing constipation followed by diarrhea, along with abdominal pain and changes in stool consistency and color, it is essential to consider several potential factors.

Firstly, your history of constipation, where you typically have bowel movements every two to three days, suggests that you may be experiencing a form of functional constipation. This condition can be exacerbated by factors such as inadequate fiber intake, dehydration, and a sedentary lifestyle. The fact that you mentioned having a normal-sized stool at times and at other times only passing thin stools could indicate that there is a blockage or narrowing in the intestines, which can occur due to various reasons, including strictures, inflammation, or even the presence of polyps.

The sudden onset of diarrhea, especially with the presence of mucus and a change in color to deep brown or even red, raises concerns about possible inflammation in the intestines. The presence of mucus in your stool can be a sign of irritation or inflammation in the bowel lining, which can occur in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or infections. The fact that you experienced a significant number of bowel movements in a short period, along with abdominal pain, suggests that your gastrointestinal tract is reacting to some form of irritation or inflammation.

The color changes in your stool, particularly the appearance of red mucus, could potentially indicate bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract. While the absence of blood on the toilet paper is somewhat reassuring, the presence of red mucus should not be overlooked, as it could signify conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or more serious issues like diverticulitis or colitis. Given your symptoms, it is crucial to monitor for any additional signs of bleeding, such as blood in the stool or significant changes in your bowel habits.

Your mention of deep-colored urine could also be a sign of dehydration, especially if you have been experiencing diarrhea. Dehydration can lead to concentrated urine, which may appear darker than usual. It is essential to maintain adequate hydration, particularly when experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms.

Given your concerns and the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, laboratory tests, and possibly imaging studies or endoscopy to assess the state of your gastrointestinal tract. They may also consider testing for infections, inflammatory markers, and other potential causes of your symptoms.

In summary, while your symptoms may not necessarily indicate a severe condition, the combination of constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and changes in stool characteristics warrants further investigation. It is essential to address these symptoms promptly to rule out any serious underlying conditions and to receive appropriate treatment. Your health and well-being should always take precedence, and consulting with a healthcare professional is the best course of action to ensure proper care.

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