[51M] Experiencing frequent bowel movements and abdominal issues

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. 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 usually focuses on relieving symptoms. Lifestyle changes, including diet and managing stress, play a key role.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This term covers conditions with chronic inflammation of your digestive tract. Types of IBD include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Both usually involve severe diarrhea, pain, fatigue and weight loss.

  • Treatment usually involves drug therapy or surgery.

• Food Intolerance or Allergy: Certain foods might be triggering your symptoms. You mentioned that red meat seems to worsen your symptoms.

  • Treatment involves avoiding the offending foods.

• Diverticulosis: Small, bulging pouches (diverticula) can develop in your digestive system's lining. When one or more of these pouches become inflamed or infected, the condition is called diverticulitis and can cause abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and a marked change in your bowel habits.

  • Mild diverticulitis can be treated with rest, changes in your diet and antibiotics. Severe or recurring diverticulitis may require surgery.

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:

1. Maintain a balanced diet: Avoid foods and drinks that stimulate the intestines, such as caffeine, tea, or colas.
2. Drink plenty of fluids: Water is the best. Alcohol and drinks with caffeine in them can lead to dehydration and worsen your symptoms.
3. Exercise regularly: Exercise helps relieve depression and stress, stimulates normal contractions of your intestines, and can help you feel better about yourself.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If you notice blood in your stool
• If you develop a fever (temperature over >100.4°F)
• If you cannot pass stool or gas
• If you have persistent or worsening abdominal pain

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful health information, this advice should not replace a consultation with a medical professional.