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frequent loose motion
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Digestive Health
Question #14483
6 days ago
29

frequent loose motion - #14483

Advika

I am having this ongoing issue with frequent loose motion, and it's really messing up my daily life. Like, a week ago I went out for dinner with friends, and by the end of the night, I was in the bathroom more than at the table, seriously! I thought it was just something I ate, but now it’s been almost 8 days and it’s still happening. I tried to just stick to boiled food and plain rice, but nope, still got those sudden, really urgent trips to the restroom. I even went to get some tests done, but everything came back normal, which is super frustrating. My doctor said it might be stress-related, but I don’t know. I mean, could frequent loose motion be caused by anxiety or worry? I sometimes feel anxious about work, but who doesn’t, right? I’m also wondering if it could be linked to anything else like dietary changes or even some hidden infections? Should I be cutting out certain foods or trying anything special? Ugh, I'm just tired of feeling this way. Any advice or something to help would be great. Thanks!

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Doctors’ responses

Having frequent loose motions can indeed be disruptive and concerning. You’re not alone; persistent diarrhea can be a symptom with many different underlying causes. While stress and anxiety themselves can sometimes cause or exacerbate gastrointestinal issues, it’s important not to overlook other potential causes. Based on your situation, and considering your tests came back normal, there are a few possibilities to consider. It’s possible that your digestive system is reacting to a food intolerance or sensitivity. Foods like dairy, gluten, or even certain artificial sweeteners can trigger loose stools in some people. You might try an elimination diet to identify any culprit foods—cut one suspected food group at a time, and observe any changes. If a food sensitivity isn’t the issue, consider aspects like recent antibiotic use or a foreign trip that might suggest a case of post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Though these cases typically resolve over time, they might require dietary adjustment or medication. Speaking of medications, some over-the-counter and prescription drugs can also cause diarrhea as a side effect, so review anything you recently started. If stress is suspected, cognitive-behavioral therapy or relaxation techniques might help reduce symptoms. Ensure you stay hydrated; dehydration can sneak up quickly when experiencing frequent diarrhea. Over-the-counter solutions like oral rehydration salts or electrolyte-rich drinks can be very useful. If symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by red-flag signs like significant weight loss, blood in stools, or severe abdominal pain, it’s crucial to follow up with a doctor promptly for further investigation. Remember that the advice here is for general informational purposes and doesn’t substitute consultation with a healthcare provider. Do keep a log of your symptoms, which can be helpful for your healthcare provider to make a thorough ongoing assessment.

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