Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Elevated ALT and loose bowel movement after eating
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Elevated ALT and loose bowel movement after eating
by 42yoguy, Dec 12, 2005 12:00AM
I am a white male, 42yo, 6'1 220 lbs. Non smoker. Borderline high blood pressure controlled by 20mg of Acupril daily. I recently had an insurance exam which showed ALT of 54, AST of 35 and total cholesterol of 244 mg/dl. I have a bunch of other stats I can share if necessary but everything else is normal.
Until 1 month ago, I was drinking 5 to 6 drinks per night every night and not working out at all. For the past month I have gotten a cardio workout 5 days/week (35 mins at 130 bpm). I have lost 10 pounds via dieting and working out. I now have one or two 5 ounce glasses of wine 5 nights/week and 3 to 4 hard liquor drinks on Friday/Saturday. I did not have any issues with cutting back liquor consumption.
Question 1: Is the elevated ALT of concern? Will it drop with moderation of alcohol intake?
Question 2: I often have a bowel movement right after eating (particularly lunch)and it comes on very fast. It is sometimes diarreah but not always. Also, I find frequently that after having a bowel movement that there is come leakage that requires me to "clean up" several times a day. Are these things that I should be concerned about or just normal parts of the aging process.
I also rarely have a good healthy large bowel movement. My bowel movements are often loose and not real narrow but not large either.
For some reason, I worry about Colon Cancer. I have no basis for this and no family history of it. I would appreciate your perspective.
Until 1 month ago, I was drinking 5 to 6 drinks per night every night and not working out at all. For the past month I have gotten a cardio workout 5 days/week (35 mins at 130 bpm). I have lost 10 pounds via dieting and working out. I now have one or two 5 ounce glasses of wine 5 nights/week and 3 to 4 hard liquor drinks on Friday/Saturday. I did not have any issues with cutting back liquor consumption.
Question 1: Is the elevated ALT of concern? Will it drop with moderation of alcohol intake?
Question 2: I often have a bowel movement right after eating (particularly lunch)and it comes on very fast. It is sometimes diarreah but not always. Also, I find frequently that after having a bowel movement that there is come leakage that requires me to "clean up" several times a day. Are these things that I should be concerned about or just normal parts of the aging process.
I also rarely have a good healthy large bowel movement. My bowel movements are often loose and not real narrow but not large either.
For some reason, I worry about Colon Cancer. I have no basis for this and no family history of it. I would appreciate your perspective.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Dec 13, 2005 12:00AM
, Dec 13, 2005 12:00AM
To answer your questions:
1) The ALT is mildly elevated. Repeating after abstaining from alcohol can be done to see if it decreases. There is a possibility this can happen.
2) Diarrhea after eating can be due to a malabsorption syndrome. Testing the stool for fat malabsorption as well as blood tests looking for celiac disease can be considered.
Normal screening for colon cancer begins at age 50 (age 40 if there is a family history). However, if this concerns you, a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
1) The ALT is mildly elevated. Repeating after abstaining from alcohol can be done to see if it decreases. There is a possibility this can happen.
2) Diarrhea after eating can be due to a malabsorption syndrome. Testing the stool for fat malabsorption as well as blood tests looking for celiac disease can be considered.
Normal screening for colon cancer begins at age 50 (age 40 if there is a family history). However, if this concerns you, a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
Expert Activity
Related Expert Forums
Related Communities