[41M] Experiencing changes in bowel habits

Patient Description

A 41-year-old male reports intermittent changes in bowel habits over the past 6 months, with stool consistency varying from very loose to soft and thinner. The frequency of these changes has been increasing. The patient has identified an intolerance to some foods and has made dietary changes and increased exercise, which seem to help. He experiences minor abdominal pain with certain foods but no severe abdominal pain or unintentional weight loss. There is no blood in the stool, although rectal bleeding occurs occasionally after bike riding. The patient has a history of hypothyroidism for which he takes Synthroid, started about a year ago, and experiences some fatigue, which may be related to his thyroid condition. He also reports a history of hives and mouth/throat swelling with certain medications, although the specific medications causing these reactions were not disclosed.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are a few possible explanations for your symptoms:

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 typically focuses on relieving symptoms so that you can live as normally as possible.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This term includes conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. They involve chronic inflammation in your digestive tract, which can also cause changes in bowel habits and abdominal pain.
- Treatment usually involves either drug therapy or surgery.
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer: While your symptoms can be associated with GI cancers, they are also common in many benign conditions. It's important to note that having these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer.
- If your doctor suspects cancer, they may order imaging tests or a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

What you can do

Keep a symptom diary: This can help identify any patterns or triggers related to your symptoms. Note down what you eat, when you experience symptoms, and any other relevant factors (like stress or exercise).
Try dietary changes: Some people find that certain foods exacerbate their symptoms. Common culprits include dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and fatty foods.
Regular exercise: Physical activity can often help reduce symptoms of IBS and IBD.
Consult with a healthcare professional: They can provide a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Severe or worsening abdominal pain
Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent changes in your bowel habits

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment options.

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11 mo ago

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