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Do Excessive Flatulence, Diarrhea And Change In Bowel Habits Suggest Bowel Cancer?
Posted on
Tue, 23 Jun 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 23 Jun 2015
Answered on
Tue, 14 Jul 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : my husband is 52 years old he has experienced a change in bowel habits for the last 2-3 months. his main problem is "watery explosive flatulence " several times per day this wakes him up 2-3 times per night he has to get up to the toilet to avoid soiling . He then has 1-2 proper bowel movements during the day.
He has lost 10 lbs in weight over this period .he says his appetite is lessened,however has dramatically cut down on alcohol and has been eating a low carbohydrate diet.
He has had one episode of slight rectal bleeding(Frank bright red blood) which he thinks was due to a haemorrhoid.
he also complains of a pain in his side.
He is more concerned about the impact of the Flatulence as he worries about soiling when out gofing etc.
I am concerned it could be bowel cancer .Should i be worried and insist he sees a doctor?
He has lost 10 lbs in weight over this period .he says his appetite is lessened,however has dramatically cut down on alcohol and has been eating a low carbohydrate diet.
He has had one episode of slight rectal bleeding(Frank bright red blood) which he thinks was due to a haemorrhoid.
he also complains of a pain in his side.
He is more concerned about the impact of the Flatulence as he worries about soiling when out gofing etc.
I am concerned it could be bowel cancer .Should i be worried and insist he sees a doctor?
Brief Answer:
I strongly recommend that you should bring him urgently to hospital.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.
You should insist that your husband must go to see a docor as soon as possible.
His symptoms especially loosing weight, rectal bleeding and abdominal flatulence may be suggestive for:
- Large bowel inflammatory disease or bowel
cancer
- Hepatic cirrhosis and liver failure
As you can see this possible underlying disease that may be responsible for his symptoms need to be diagnosed as soon as possible and should be treated immediately in order to lower the risk of death and to improve the quality of life.
This is why I strongly recommend that you should bring him urgently to hospital.
Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Klerida
I strongly recommend that you should bring him urgently to hospital.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.
You should insist that your husband must go to see a docor as soon as possible.
His symptoms especially loosing weight, rectal bleeding and abdominal flatulence may be suggestive for:
- Large bowel inflammatory disease or bowel
cancer
- Hepatic cirrhosis and liver failure
As you can see this possible underlying disease that may be responsible for his symptoms need to be diagnosed as soon as possible and should be treated immediately in order to lower the risk of death and to improve the quality of life.
This is why I strongly recommend that you should bring him urgently to hospital.
Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Klerida
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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