[23M] Experiencing frequent bowel movements postprandially

Patient Description

A 23-year-old male reports having frequent bowel movements, specifically diarrhea, after every meal for almost a year. The patient experiences 3-4 episodes of soft and loose stools daily, which are not associated with mucus or blood. The symptoms occur regardless of the type of food consumed, including fruit, spaghetti, water, and chips, and can also awaken the patient from sleep. There is no history of recent travel, fever, chills, abdominal pain, bloating, unintentional weight loss, significant fatigue, or changes in stool color. The patient has a past medical history of anxiety diagnosed at age 19, pre-hypertension diagnosed at age 16, and is currently overweight. There is no family history of gastrointestinal diseases, no known drug allergies, and the patient is not on any medications.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you'll need to manage long term.
- Treatment of IBS typically involves long-term strategies to manage symptoms, including dietary adjustments, medication, and stress management.
Food Intolerances: These are digestive problems that occur after a certain food is eaten. They are different from food allergies and often cause problems like bloating, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
- Treatment of food intolerances generally involves avoidance of the offending substances.
Anxiety: Anxiety can have physical manifestations, including diarrhea. Stress and anxiety can cause your body to function abnormally resulting in a variety of stomach and intestinal issues.
- Treatment of anxiety often involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. Lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet, can also help.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms:

Keep a food diary to track what you eat and how you feel afterwards. This could help identify any food intolerances.
Try to manage your stress and anxiety. This could involve regular exercise, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga, and ensuring you get enough sleep.
Ensure you keep hydrated and eat a nutritious, balanced diet rich in fiber to help minimize diarrhea.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

If you notice blood in your stool or develop severe abdominal pain
If you develop a fever (temperature over >100.4°F) or chills
If you cannot identify a trigger or your symptoms worsen

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

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11 mo ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines