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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
frequently emptying bowels
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.
frequently emptying bowels
by jdubb4045, Apr 13, 2005 12:00AM
I am a 27 year old male. I am 6'4" about 190. For several years now I have had to empty my bowels very frequently. It is at least 3 to 4 times a day, but has been as much as 5 or 6 on certain days. Also when I go, I sometimes have very loose stool which requires a lot of force and pushing to exit. I will usually have to go 2 or 3 times in a row first thing in the morning before I can even eat breakfast. I feel that my diet is fairly good. I usually have oatmeal with honey, cottage cheese, and blueberries for breakfast. For lunch I will have a turkey sandwich, yogurt, and grapes. Dinner is usually chicken or steak with salad and potatoes. I try to stay away from the junk food as much as possible. What concerns me the most is that I once weighed 230 lbs about 2.5 to 3 years ago and I have lost 40 lbs over the course of that time without trying to do so. I have no pain or discomfort with any of this. I am just worried that I may not be digesting my food correctly or something. Any advice would be appriaciated.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Apr 14, 2005 12:00AM
, Apr 14, 2005 12:00AM
A change in bowel habits accompanied by an unintentional loss in weight should be further investigated.
Causes of malabsorption can be considered - whether it's lactose intolerance or fat malabsorption. A stool sample can be tested for fat malabsorption, and a breath test can be done for various types of carbohydrate malabsorption.
I would also consider an endoscopy (either colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy) which can evaluate for any anatomical abnormalities or inflammation that can lead to a change in bowel habits.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician or in conjunction with a GI evaluation.
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
Causes of malabsorption can be considered - whether it's lactose intolerance or fat malabsorption. A stool sample can be tested for fat malabsorption, and a breath test can be done for various types of carbohydrate malabsorption.
I would also consider an endoscopy (either colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy) which can evaluate for any anatomical abnormalities or inflammation that can lead to a change in bowel habits.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician or in conjunction with a GI evaluation.
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 (4)
by yoshi, Apr 14, 2005 12:00AM
may be you should try cutting back on veggie and fruits.
by grannyjo, Apr 18, 2005 12:00AM
I would ask my GI Dr. to test for Crohn's disease.
by Big Pappa Pump, Jun 27, 2005 12:00AM
My stomache is really hard and i never have a hard stool, sometimes i have blood ,im never comfortable. i have medicade and im 35 and have lots of gas, stomach is so bloated i cant fit in my cloths please help
by Big Pappa Pump, Jun 27, 2005 12:00AM
my stomach is hard uncomfortable Bloated gassey and really uncomfortable. my stool is never hard sometimes has blood. im 35 and on medicade . I need help had lots of tests maby not the right ones no one wants to help me solve this problem i cant take it any more. thanks
