bowel problems

Posted By  HFHSM.D.-rf on March 16, 1998 at 08:14:17:

In Reply to: bowel problems posted by Tanya on March 05, 1998 at 19:52:27:

: Over the past few months my bowel has been shutting down for
  extended periods of time (7 days or more). The stool has not been
  hard. There has been a considerable amount of white and light brown
  mucus in the stool. My stomach was quite bloated. I felt quite tired.
  After several days of Metamucial or a laxative the bowel would empty
  but only because the stool was in diarhea (diarrhea) form. There is colon cancer
  in the family (maternal grandmother)and Multiple Sclerosis (uncle).
  I am 24 years old and quite concerned. My family doctor has dismissed
  my concerns since I am apparently "too young to be concerned about such
  things." I was told to continue taking a natural laxative.
  Should I be concerned ?

[HFHSM.D.-rf]

Dear Tanya,
Constipation is a frequent problem for patients seeing a gastroenterologist. I interpret your description of your bowel pattern to indicate that there has been a recent change in your pattern of defecation.  You do not provide information regarding concurrent illnesses or medications that you take. This data is important because it directs the physician in the work-up of the problem.
There are many possible causes for constipation. Although your physician is statistically correct that in most cases no serious cause is found, patients should be evaluated once to exclude various diseases that could cause the constipation.  For example, conditions such as hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus should be excluded. Sometimes there is a problem with the nerves and/or muscles of the gastrointestinal tract that is responsible for the constipation. This diagnosis is best made by a gastroenterologist. Finally, some patients
with prolonged constipation have a psychosocial cause for the problem. This last explanation should only be accepted after organic causes have been excluded.  Before making the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome, a organic diseases must be excluded.
With regard to symptomatic treatment (assuming a disease cause is not found) natural laxatives are the best approach.  You should increase the amount of fiber in your diet.  Supplementation with Metamucil is frequently helpful.  Just remember that the increased fiber will exacerbate bloating and gas complaints in the beginning.  Continue to take this medication and these symptoms will become less problematic. If you require laxatives, I would favor osmotic agents such as lactulose.
Best of luck.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be
considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you are in the Detroit area or would like to be seen at our institution, please call
1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians Office and make an appointment to be seen with Dr. Ronald Fogel of the Division of Gastroenterology, one of our experts in the treatment of intestinal diseases.
HFHSM.D.-rf
keywords: constipation, irritable bowel disease,
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