Foamy Discharge

Hello -
Forgive me for being completely ignorant about this topic!

I am 41 YO female, in good health. I have been treated for melanoma, however  had a negative sentinel node biopsy and at this time have no evidence of disease.(just background info) I am 5'8" and 155 lbs. As of 1/1/2009, I have been on a calorie restricted /low fat/ high fiber diet and have lost 14#.

This last week I have been on business travel and have been enjoying food that I have not touched since 1/1. I am in the south, so some of this is fairly fatty. For instance yesterday AM I had grits, oatmeal pancakes, sausage & eggs. (not binging though, left lots on my plate, so the quantity hasn't been too much, but definately, not so healthy inthe what category).

Anyway, I have been feeling constipated and bloated for the last couple of days. Last night I stasrted getting very gurgely & gassy, I went to the restroom in hopes of a BM, and foamy discharge came out, no feces. This am, again gurgely, I thought I needed to pass gass, and again this foamy discharge. It is not particularly smelly, it is light in color, whitish rather than clear.

I have a couple more deays of travel with a couple of long flights in front of me before I get home. Is this anything to be concerned about? If not, is there anything I can do to manage the symptoms?

Thanks much!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Managing the symptoms would depend on what is causing them.  Infection remains a leading possibility, given the acuity of the symptoms.  Obtaining and analyzing stool tests for culture can be considered.

Other possibilities include celiac disease or malabsorption, and can be evaluated with blood tests or stool tests respectively.

A colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy can also be considered if the symptoms continue.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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 Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd

[kailuamom]

Hi Dr. Pho -

Thanks for your response. I have an appt with my p\hysician when I return home. My concern is what do I do now, whil away on business? Is this an emercency? Is there anything I should do until I return home?