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)
 | 
Immediate Soft Bowel Mvmnt After Eating
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
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.

Immediate Soft Bowel Mvmnt After Eating

by kminty, Sep 23, 2004 12:00AM
My Mom is 81 years old.  For the past 3 weeks, every time she eats, she has a soft (not diarrhhea) bowel movement - as if the food is going right through her.  At first she thought it was irritable bowel syndrome, but she has no stomach pains or cramps or diarrhea, or stress.  

Because of so many BMs, her hemorrhoids are inflammed and bleed, so we need to find a solution.  Any thoughts on what is happening; should she see a specialist?

by Kevin Pho, MD, Sep 23, 2004 12:00AM
A GI specialist can certainly be considered.  Irritable bowel syndrome is also possible, but manifestations of this would have presented before the age of 81.  

If there is concern about he soft stools, you may want to consider bulking agents - such as increasing the amount of fiber in the diet.  This should certainly be considered if this problem is affecting her hemorrhoids.  

You may want to discuss this with your personal physician or be referred to a gastroenterologist.

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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Member Comments (1)

by Med_Writer, Sep 23, 2004 12:00AM
As we age, our bodies naturally produce less stomach acid, which is used to extract nutrients from food (notably vitamin B12) and control the growth of bacteria in our stomachs and intestines.

Bacterial overgrowth can increase the speed with which food goes through your mom.

Antacids known as proton pump inhibitors (brand names: Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium, Aciphex, Protonix) significantly increase bacterial overgrowth in the stomach and intestine as well.

Antacids such as Tums or Maalox are more temporary in tehir action and less likely to cause this effect.

-MW
Continue discussion
RSS Expert Activity
When Your Cold Is Not A Cold
3 hrs ago by Steven Y Park, MD
Cataract, Removal, Artificial Lens,...
17 hrs ago by Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.
7 Ways to Reduce Stress During the ...
Dec 07 by Steven Y Park, MD