Gastrointestinal Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice

Q: Gastrointestinal Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice

Hello： If the small red spot is blood, it should diffuse into pink water in the toilet. <br>Therefore, you can observe it further. <br>Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. <br>If the situation does not improve, you may visit a gastroenterologist again for an accurate di

Gastrointestinal symptoms

Hello doctor, for the past two months, my stool has been varying in thickness, sometimes being thin and occasionally experiencing diarrhea.
About a week after my stool started to become thinner, I began to feel discomfort in my lower left abdomen, a dull pain that becomes more noticeable when I am still.
This pain is continuous rather than intermittent, and after about a week, the abdominal pain subsided, but my stool continues to fluctuate in thickness.
I've also noticed a decrease in flatulence, and I frequently experience belching even when I haven't eaten.
At night, my abdomen makes loud bowel sounds from the time I lie down until I fall asleep.
My sleep is poor; I wake up after two to three hours and it takes a long time to fall back asleep.
Over a month ago, I had a fecal occult blood test that came back normal, but the symptoms persist.
I would like to ask the doctor what might be the issue.
Additionally, a few days ago, I noticed blood in my stool, appearing as a small dark red spot on the surface of the stool, which happened twice in a row.
I suspect it might be due to eating tomatoes, which could have caused the stool to appear red.
After that, I experienced diarrhea twice, and during the next bowel movement, I noticed small red spots that seemed like blood, although the amount was minimal.
Given these symptoms, should I see a doctor?

Xiao Deng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/06

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: If the small red spot is blood, it should diffuse into pink water in the toilet.
Therefore, you can observe it further.
Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.
If the situation does not improve, you may visit a gastroenterologist again for an accurate diagnosis.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-Shun.

Reply Date: 2016/01/06

More Info

It sounds like you have been experiencing a range of gastrointestinal symptoms that have been quite concerning for you. Based on the symptoms you've described, including changes in stool consistency, abdominal pain, gas, and the presence of blood in your stool, it is important to take these signs seriously and seek medical advice.

Firstly, the variability in your stool consistency—sometimes being coarse and other times fine—can indicate several potential issues. This can be related to dietary changes, stress, or underlying gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The fact that you have experienced abdominal pain, particularly in the left lower quadrant, could suggest a variety of conditions, including but not limited to diverticulitis, colitis, or even functional gastrointestinal disorders.

The presence of blood in your stool, even if it is minimal and appears as dark red spots, is particularly concerning. While it is possible that certain foods, like tomatoes, can cause a change in stool color, any noticeable blood should prompt further investigation. Blood in the stool can be a sign of several conditions, ranging from benign issues like hemorrhoids to more serious conditions such as polyps or colorectal cancer. Given that you have already undergone a fecal occult blood test that returned normal, this is reassuring, but it does not completely rule out the possibility of other gastrointestinal issues.

Your symptoms of excessive gas and abdominal noises, along with disrupted sleep, suggest that your gastrointestinal tract may be experiencing increased motility or sensitivity. This can be common in conditions like IBS, where the gut is more reactive to stimuli, leading to discomfort and altered bowel habits.

In light of these symptoms, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend additional tests, such as a colonoscopy, to visualize the inside of your colon and rule out any significant pathology. It may also be beneficial to keep a food diary to track what you eat and how it correlates with your symptoms, as this can help identify potential triggers.

In the meantime, consider making some dietary adjustments. A diet high in fiber can help regulate bowel movements, but if you suspect certain foods are exacerbating your symptoms, it may be worth trying an elimination diet under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Staying hydrated and managing stress through relaxation techniques can also be beneficial for gastrointestinal health.

In summary, while some of your symptoms may be indicative of functional gastrointestinal disorders, the presence of blood in your stool warrants further investigation. It is essential to communicate all your symptoms clearly to your healthcare provider, who can guide you through the necessary steps for diagnosis and treatment. Your health is important, and addressing these symptoms promptly can lead to better outcomes.

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