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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Constipation Along With Diarrhea And Headache?

I think I have either diverticulitis or irritable bowel syndrome. Symptoms are, in a 24 hour period I go from having constipation to diarrhea. Severe bloating and some gas. Sometimes a severe headache until I am able to have a bowel movement. Would like to know how I should eat to get better?
posted on Fri, 6 Jan 2017
Twitter Tue, 10 Jan 2017 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 11 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Diverculitis is inflammation / infection of the diverticula. The acute inflammation can vary from mild to severe but in many cases antibiotics are needed to treat the infection. Diverticular disease (not the infection or inflammation) is treated with a high fiber diet. If the symptoms have been ongoing for a long period of time then irritable bowel syndrome or food intolerance may be more likely.

You may want to start a food diary to see if there are any particular foods that are more likely to cause your symptoms. With irritable bowel syndrome, a high fiber diet is also advised as well along with water if you have predominantly constipation. Restricting caffeine can also sometimes help as well. Probiotics can sometimes help as well.

I hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James
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What Causes Constipation Along With Diarrhea And Headache?

Hi, Diverculitis is inflammation / infection of the diverticula. The acute inflammation can vary from mild to severe but in many cases antibiotics are needed to treat the infection. Diverticular disease (not the infection or inflammation) is treated with a high fiber diet. If the symptoms have been ongoing for a long period of time then irritable bowel syndrome or food intolerance may be more likely. You may want to start a food diary to see if there are any particular foods that are more likely to cause your symptoms. With irritable bowel syndrome, a high fiber diet is also advised as well along with water if you have predominantly constipation. Restricting caffeine can also sometimes help as well. Probiotics can sometimes help as well. I hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Michelle Gibson James