[19F] Experiencing persistent yellow diarrhea with associated symptoms

Patient Description

A 19-year-old female has been experiencing runny, yellow diarrhea most days of the week for the past three months. The symptoms worsen after consuming fast food and are accompanied by occasional dizziness, lightheadedness, and abdominal pain. The patient has noticed unintentional weight loss, although it is not significant. The stool often floats and may appear greasy, suggesting possible malabsorption. The patient denies any recent travel, blood in the stool, family history of gastrointestinal diseases, recreational drug use, alcohol consumption, or use of unprescribed medications. Current medications include ibuprofen and weight loss gummies containing apple cider vinegar. There is no known drug allergy or history of chronic illnesses.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Viral gastroenteritis is particularly common and highly infectious. It can cause symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain and cramping, nausea, and sometimes fever.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. Antibiotics may be necessary if the cause is bacterial.
  • Gallbladder Disease: The gallbladder is a small organ beneath the liver that releases bile, a substance that helps the body digest fats. When the gallbladder isn't working properly, it can cause changes in stool color and consistency, along with other symptoms like pain in the upper right abdomen and nausea.

    • Treatment can range from dietary changes to medications to surgery, depending on the specific problem and its severity.
  • Malabsorption Syndromes: These are conditions in which the intestines can't absorb enough of certain nutrients and fluids. Conditions such as Celiac disease or Pancreatic insufficiency can cause this. Symptoms can include diarrhea, floating stools, and weight loss.

    • Treatment typically involves managing the underlying condition and supplementing the missing nutrients.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both.

    • Treatment typically involves long-term management of diet, lifestyle and stress. More-severe symptoms can be treated with medication and counseling.

Please note that these are potential explanations for your symptoms, but only a healthcare provider can provide a definitive diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Keep a food diary: Write down what you eat and when you eat it to help identify any food triggers that might be causing your symptoms.
  2. Stay hydrated: Diarrhea can cause dehydration, so it's important to drink plenty of fluids. Water is the best choice.
  3. Eat small, frequent meals: This can help your digestive system process food better.
  4. Avoid trigger foods: If you notice that certain foods make your symptoms worse, try to avoid them.
  5. Over-the-counter medications: Certain medications may help manage your symptoms. For example, loperamide can help with diarrhea. Always follow the package instructions.

What you should look out for

  • If your symptoms persist or get worse, you should seek medical attention.
  • If you notice blood in your stool, this could indicate a more serious condition and you should seek medical attention immediately.
  • If you experience severe abdominal pain, this could indicate a serious condition such as appendicitis or gallstones and you should seek medical attention immediately.
  • If you experience significant weight loss or become dehydrated, you should seek medical attention.

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

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9 mo ago


People Also Ask


What could cause runny, yellow diarrhea that worsens after eating fast food?

Runny, yellow diarrhea that worsens after eating fast food could be due to several factors, including gastroenteritis, gallbladder disease, or malabsorption syndromes. Fast food is often high in fats and can exacerbate these conditions, leading to diarrhea.


Why might someone experience floating, greasy stools?

Floating, greasy stools are often a sign of malabsorption, where the body is not properly absorbing fats from the diet. This can be due to conditions like Celiac disease, pancreatic insufficiency, or gallbladder issues.


What are the potential causes of unintentional weight loss in young adults?

Unintentional weight loss in young adults can be caused by malabsorption syndromes, chronic infections, gastrointestinal disorders like IBS, or changes in diet and lifestyle. It's important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.


How can dizziness and lightheadedness be related to gastrointestinal issues?

Dizziness and lightheadedness can be related to gastrointestinal issues due to dehydration from diarrhea, electrolyte imbalances, or malnutrition from malabsorption. These symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, especially if they persist.

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