Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Loose Stool
Posted on
Wed, 12 Oct 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 12 Oct 2016
Answered on
Fri, 4 Nov 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : What would cause liquefaction of feces following normal bowel movements, continuing off and on for an hour or more
Brief Answer:
Evaluation for loose stool
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
1) In normal circumstances, physiological process of digestion cause solidification of stool by absorption of water and essential nutrients from food by intestine.
2) When process of digestion is affected at any level then this process of solidification of stool is also affected by lack of availability of digestive enzymes.
3) Most common causes are irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, chronic pancreatitis, intestinal infections, diverticulosis.
4) For evaluation of liquefied stool, start with stool routine and culture test. If it shows presence of infection then antibiotic therapy along with hydration therapy is suffice. If this report do not reveal any infection then proceed with either CT scan abdomen or colonoscopy (based on other symptoms) once hydration status of patient is adequate.
Evaluation for loose stool
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
1) In normal circumstances, physiological process of digestion cause solidification of stool by absorption of water and essential nutrients from food by intestine.
2) When process of digestion is affected at any level then this process of solidification of stool is also affected by lack of availability of digestive enzymes.
3) Most common causes are irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, chronic pancreatitis, intestinal infections, diverticulosis.
4) For evaluation of liquefied stool, start with stool routine and culture test. If it shows presence of infection then antibiotic therapy along with hydration therapy is suffice. If this report do not reveal any infection then proceed with either CT scan abdomen or colonoscopy (based on other symptoms) once hydration status of patient is adequate.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
