What Causes Constipation And Mushy Stools?

Posted on Sun, 14 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 14 Sep 2014 Answered on

Tue, 7 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi
My 4 year old autistic son is swinging between constipation & mushy stools.
When it's mushy it appears to be burning inside his anus. He is passing small amounts of watery stool after initially passing a larger stool. He is screaming in pain when he passes the small watery amounts.
This isn't a new occurrence, he's been like this for 2 years & has finally been referred to the gastro.
What could this be?
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Arun (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
irritable bowels

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to healthcare magic.
I think the symptoms could.go with irritable bowels or a fissure in ano.A gastro evaluation with a local examination of the anal region for fissure would definitely help in arriving at the diagnosis.
The other possibilities include more carbohydrate and less fiber in the diet. This can.harden stools and the last stools could be loose as the food is not digested and absorbed well.
Increase fiber and starch. Decrease sugars .
Wishing him speedy recovery.

Regards

Dr Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E