Suggest Treatment For Loose Stools

Brief Answer:
not likely to be related to bowel cancer-colonoscopy is a good screening test

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at Healthcaremagic,

I read your question carefully and understand your concern.

Having loose stools for a few days is very commonly related to common self-limited causes like viral infection and sometimes not many symptoms are present. From your description, it's very likely to be a common self-limited condition that needs no further investigation or treatment. Just make sure you stay well hydrated, rest and watch hygiene as it might be contagious.

Colon cancer on the other side is something that might cause changes in bowel habits, mostly constipation and very rarely increased bowel motion.

Have you had the routine colonoscopy tests that are recommended to be done every 5-10 years after the age of 50? If yes, then when was the last one and how was the result?

After age 75 there is not recommended to have routine colonoscopies done anymore.

I would say if you have never had one done or the last one is longer than 10 years ago than it would be good to have at least one done.

If you have a family history of colon cancer then this makes it more obligatory to have the colonoscopy done.

Colonoscopy even though is an invasive test (there is an insertion of a tube with a camera in the bowel rectally), it still can be done with some anesthesia and might be easier to handle. Some stool tests for occult blood would be recommended also to check for blood in stools. 3 negative stools for occult blood is a good finding. A blood test to rule out anemia also gives some reassurance that no prolonged bleeding is happening.

So to conclude:

1. very likely the symptoms you mention are self-limiting and you will be okay within 3-4 days with rest and fluids

2. Still, a check colonoscopy might be a good routine test in some cases especially if family history of colon cancer, never had it done or more than 10 years you have had one done.

3. Some other tests would be fecal occult blood, you need 3 negative tests of 3 different days and CBC for anemia induced by bleeding.

I hope this is helpful and answers your question but please feel free to write back if any more clarification is needed on this.

Kind regards

Antoneta Zotaj, MD

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Brief Answer:
It is very reassuring the stool and blood tests are normal

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

It is very reassuring that your occult blood stool tests have come back normal and also the blood tests. This reduces the chances of having serious problems with the bowel.

It is true that it is easier to comfort others related to health issues than to comfort ourselves. It is very normal and usual for many.

To conclude i would like to say that your symptoms seem to be due to common self limiting bowel issues (like possibly a viral infection) and that it is very reassuring that you have already done some tests and have come out normal.

I hope this will help you to feel more relaxed and reassured but in case still something concerns you related to this please feel free to write me back.

Kind regards

Antoneta Zotaj, MD

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