What Causes Frequent Diarrhea After A Meal?

Posted on Mon, 20 Nov 2017

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

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 Answered on

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I often will have diarhea right after an occasional meal, within a half an hour. I had a small non-malaignant polyp removed on my last colonoscopy. They scheduled a recheck 10 years later which is coming up. I have no blood in stools and am 64 years old. What are my chances for this type of cancer. I have experienced this issue off and on for years.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Gastrocolic reflex

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on Health care magic.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern. Let me assure that an urge to pass stool after meals can happen due to a phenomenon called gastrocolic reflex. Sometimesit may persist till adulthood.

I assume that the stool is semi solid when you say diarrhea. Please confirm and elaborate.

I do not suppose that there is a link with the prior polyp removal. You need not worry.

Feel free to write back.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

The diarhea can be very soft or watery to confirm

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Get the stool tested

Detailed Answer:
It could be due to malabsorption. I would insist you to get a routine microscopy of stool dine. Please upload the report and I will guide you accordingly.

Bd sure to take ORS (Oral rehydration solution) to replenish the lost water and salts.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar