What Causes Episodes Of Diarrhea And Fecal Incontinence While Having CREST Syndrome?

Posted on Sun, 9 Jul 2017

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

Sun, 9 Jul 2017 Answered on

Mon, 31 Jul 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a colonoscopy and EGD in april because of constipation. I have a history of CREST syndrome. Since these procedures, my bowel movements have completely changed. I go 2-3 times per day and have become incontinent of stool. The stool is thick and sticky and sometimes does not look like a regular BM. No pain. Should I go back to the GI specialist?

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possibly bacterial overgrowth in small bowel

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for trusting HealthcareMagic for your health concern

Episodes of diarrhea and fecal incontinence is due to scleroderma. The changes in indestinal motility seen in scleroderma patients can lead to back-growth of bacteria from large intestine to small intestine thereby disrupting normal intestinal flora.
Eating a diet rich in probiotics can re-establish the normal flora. Yogurt, kimchi etc are rich in probiotics.While buying you hurt make sure that label indicates that the product contains live active cultures.If needed you can also take over the counter probiotic supplements.

Since you have fecal incontinence, it is also recommended to rule out the possibility of anorectal sphincter dysfunction.Rectal examination and manometric studies can confirm the diagnosis.Stool analysis and culture is also recommended to rule out infection and need for antibiotics.

Please be advised to follow up with your gastroenterologist for further investigation and management.

Hope this answers your question
Please address further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T