Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Diarrhea And Bowel Incontinence?
Posted on
Sat, 21 Jun 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 21 Jun 2014
Answered on
Tue, 8 Jul 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : I have been having problems with loose runny stools, three times this week when I relsx and fall asleep
Brief Answer:
Additional information is needed...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Before running into conclusions, I'd like to have more medical data of yours:
- does the stool have mucus? or blood?
- what medications you are taking?
- have you had other GI problems before?
- any specific food consumed when having such episodes?
- do you have bloating or urge to pass the stool?
- have you felt fatigue or fever recently?
To my opinion, IBS and other bowel problems (like infection) should be excluded first. Unless, you have been taking any medication or supplement during this time.
Looking forward to have the requested data in!
Thank you!
Dr.Albana
Additional information is needed...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Before running into conclusions, I'd like to have more medical data of yours:
- does the stool have mucus? or blood?
- what medications you are taking?
- have you had other GI problems before?
- any specific food consumed when having such episodes?
- do you have bloating or urge to pass the stool?
- have you felt fatigue or fever recently?
To my opinion, IBS and other bowel problems (like infection) should be excluded first. Unless, you have been taking any medication or supplement during this time.
Looking forward to have the requested data in!
Thank you!
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Yes, a month or so ago I started taking a supplement for menopause called Transitions also I take 50mg of zoloft once a day. Seems to be some icky slimy but mostly runs out like water as soon as I sit down on the toilet, and when I feel like I have to pass gas I have to be careful, and I had an operation to fix my GERD problem in 2002.
Brief Answer:
Bowel infection is suspected...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Thank you for providing the requested data.
Since you started the supplement "Transitions" 1 month ago, and the problems you experience started 1 week ago, then, this supplement is not have any effect on your runny stool.
Next, you are saying to have had an operation to fix your GERD problems in 2002. May I know what specifically the operation was for?
From what you are describing, the watery stool might be a sign of bowel infection. Stool analysis and examination are needed. If no infection, then, it might be related to IBS. However, first, should rule out organic problems through stool analysis and colonoscopy.
Until you see a physician and run the above-mentioned tests, I advise to eat more yoghurt, drink plenty of water and take oral rehydration salt to replace the lost fluids.
Wish fast recovery! Do not hesitate to write me back if you need further clarifications.
Dr.Albana
Bowel infection is suspected...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Thank you for providing the requested data.
Since you started the supplement "Transitions" 1 month ago, and the problems you experience started 1 week ago, then, this supplement is not have any effect on your runny stool.
Next, you are saying to have had an operation to fix your GERD problems in 2002. May I know what specifically the operation was for?
From what you are describing, the watery stool might be a sign of bowel infection. Stool analysis and examination are needed. If no infection, then, it might be related to IBS. However, first, should rule out organic problems through stool analysis and colonoscopy.
Until you see a physician and run the above-mentioned tests, I advise to eat more yoghurt, drink plenty of water and take oral rehydration salt to replace the lost fluids.
Wish fast recovery! Do not hesitate to write me back if you need further clarifications.
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
GERD operation was to correct acid reflux and hyadle hernia.
Brief Answer:
Thanks for additional information...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Thank you for providing the requested data.
Now, from what you are describing, my thoughts go for a possible relapse of GERD and/or gastritis.
You need to consult with GI specialist and to run the above-mentioned tests to rule out organic problems (as mentioned earlier) and to evaluate your stomach problems.
Please bare in mind that during GERD or gastritis, there is an increased pH of the stomach. When foods are transported from the stomach to the intestines with such low pH, the bowel movements are increased resulting in watery or frequent stool.
That's what I think is happening to you. You can discuss this further with your doctor to start appropriate treatment in time. You can always come back to me if you need further assistance!
Dr.Albana
Thanks for additional information...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Thank you for providing the requested data.
Now, from what you are describing, my thoughts go for a possible relapse of GERD and/or gastritis.
You need to consult with GI specialist and to run the above-mentioned tests to rule out organic problems (as mentioned earlier) and to evaluate your stomach problems.
Please bare in mind that during GERD or gastritis, there is an increased pH of the stomach. When foods are transported from the stomach to the intestines with such low pH, the bowel movements are increased resulting in watery or frequent stool.
That's what I think is happening to you. You can discuss this further with your doctor to start appropriate treatment in time. You can always come back to me if you need further assistance!
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks Doc, I will call my doctor first thing Monday morning!
Brief Answer:
Happy to be assisting you...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
You're most welcomed!
Until then, I advise to:
- take plenty of water
- take probiotics (you can find as over the counter) to stabilize intestinal flora
- if diarrhea, then, take tasectan or pepto bismol to stop it
- have light meals, especially at dinner
- avoid spicy, fatty, fried foods
- avoid carbonated or coffee/chocolate drinks
- have your dinner at least 5 hours prior to going to bed
Wish fast recovery! If it answered at your satisfaction, kindly rate my answer while closing this discussion. I'll welcome any other query you might have!
Dr.Albana
Happy to be assisting you...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
You're most welcomed!
Until then, I advise to:
- take plenty of water
- take probiotics (you can find as over the counter) to stabilize intestinal flora
- if diarrhea, then, take tasectan or pepto bismol to stop it
- have light meals, especially at dinner
- avoid spicy, fatty, fried foods
- avoid carbonated or coffee/chocolate drinks
- have your dinner at least 5 hours prior to going to bed
Wish fast recovery! If it answered at your satisfaction, kindly rate my answer while closing this discussion. I'll welcome any other query you might have!
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
