why motions happen - #18754
I am really confused and kinda worried about a thing that keeps bugging me — fer days now. I’ve been feeling really off, like, my belly hurts sometimes, and I’ve noticed my motions happen way more often than they used to. I mean, I'm not sure what’s normal anymore. It’s like every time I eat something, within a few hours, bam! I gotta go. And not just the usual. The motions happen, but it’s more like urgent and pretty uncomfortable. Had a couple of tests done, and they didn’t find anything major but still... why motions happen this way? Like, is it something I’m eating? Or maybe it’s stress? I think it might be connected to my job. Like a month back my boss piled all this pressure on me and a lot of deadlines, and I totally freaked. My friend said it could be anxiety messin' with my gut or something. Been trying to relax, but that’s easier said than done, right? Does anyone else deal with this? What can I do to figure out why motions happen and if they should be linked to my stress? Would love some insight before I drive myself crazy!
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Doctors' responses
Increased bowel movements and abdominal discomfort can be unsettling, especially when it seems to come out of nowhere. What you’re experiencing might be linked to several factors, commonly including dietary changes, stress, or some type of gastrointestinal condition like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is frequently tied to stress. Stress can indeed have a significant impact on the digestive system, known for triggering or exacerbating symptoms like the ones you described. Typically, under stress, your body releases certain hormones that can alter gut motility making you feel the urgency to go more often. As you’ve already had some tests done with no major findings, it could be helpful to keep a detailed food diary, noting what you eat and when the symptoms occur. Certain foods are known to irritate the gut for some people, such as caffeine, fatty foods, or dairy products. Try to identify and possibly limit some of these triggers and see if that makes a difference. Practicing stress management techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or even just regular physical exercise can sometimes significantly alleviate stress-related digestive issues. If you think anxiety might be a main contributor, consider discussing this with a healthcare professional who might recommend therapy or counseling as a component of your treatment strategy. Should the symptoms persist or worsen, there’s value in revisiting your healthcare provider, particularly if you notice more concerning red-flag symptoms such as significant weight loss, blood in the stool, or persistent vomiting, as these might warrant more immediate attention.
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