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Stomach Cramps, Softer Bowel Movements, Slimy Substance And Fishy Odor In Stools. History Of Returning From A Trip. Infection?
Hello,
I just came back from a trip to Mexico (4 days ago). I drank only bottled water over there but I brushed my teeth with tap water. When I came back I started to notice a change in my bowel movements. I began having stomach cramps in the morning and when I tried to go to the bathroom, very little poop would come out. I would also have stomach pains after I would eat. 2 days after I got back from Mexico was probably the worst day I experienced so far--I had stomach cramps all day and went to the bathroom 8 times in the span of 3 hours. Since then, it has improved--I still have mild stomach pains and I have noticed my bowel movements are still softer than usual. In addition, when I wipe I notice a somewhat slimy substance and my poop has a fishy odor. It has been about 5 days with these symptoms and I am starting to worry I have a parasite or other type of infection. I understand I probably contracted something from the drinking water but I am starting to worry and would like to take care of this as soon as possible. I have always been very healthy and had very regular bowel movements (never been constipated, always have been very regular). Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I just came back from a trip to Mexico (4 days ago). I drank only bottled water over there but I brushed my teeth with tap water. When I came back I started to notice a change in my bowel movements. I began having stomach cramps in the morning and when I tried to go to the bathroom, very little poop would come out. I would also have stomach pains after I would eat. 2 days after I got back from Mexico was probably the worst day I experienced so far--I had stomach cramps all day and went to the bathroom 8 times in the span of 3 hours. Since then, it has improved--I still have mild stomach pains and I have noticed my bowel movements are still softer than usual. In addition, when I wipe I notice a somewhat slimy substance and my poop has a fishy odor. It has been about 5 days with these symptoms and I am starting to worry I have a parasite or other type of infection. I understand I probably contracted something from the drinking water but I am starting to worry and would like to take care of this as soon as possible. I have always been very healthy and had very regular bowel movements (never been constipated, always have been very regular). Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
posted on
Tue, 7 May 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 7 May 2013
Answered on
Wed, 8 May 2013
Last reviewed on
Hello.It seems that your symptoms are in involution and and that's good.
However, with the recent trip,and signs and symptoms that you still have
(diarrhea and depositions with bad smell and slimy substance)you must
go to your doctor to rule out a tropical pathology,he will request a stool culture
to confirm or exclude some of these pathologies.
Is important you take diet for diarrhea( carrot,potato, white fish, toast bread,rice, chicken, ham york,banana, apple, )and avoid eat foods with lots of sugar or fat.
You too can take paracetamol for abdominal pain.
I wish you good health
However, with the recent trip,and signs and symptoms that you still have
(diarrhea and depositions with bad smell and slimy substance)you must
go to your doctor to rule out a tropical pathology,he will request a stool culture
to confirm or exclude some of these pathologies.
Is important you take diet for diarrhea( carrot,potato, white fish, toast bread,rice, chicken, ham york,banana, apple, )and avoid eat foods with lots of sugar or fat.
You too can take paracetamol for abdominal pain.
I wish you good health
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