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why do i have loose motion
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Digestive Health
Question #19336
63 days ago
106

why do i have loose motion - #19336

Karthik

I am really worried about this loose motion thing that's been going on with me. Like, I had this big family lunch last Sunday, and everything was fine at first. But then, on Monday, I started feeling kinda queasy, and the next thing I know I'm running to the bathroom every half hour! It was terrible! I thought maybe it was something I ate, but the rest of the family seems fine, so now I'm just lost…why do I have loose motion? I mean, I haven’t changed my diet or anything, and I drink water from home, but it just wouldn’t stop. Yesterday, I tried having some toast and that didn’t help either. It’s just weird, right? I also googled it (probably shouldn’t have!) and read about how it could be anything from a stomach virus to anxiety. Like, who knew stress could cause loose motion? I’m not super stressed, but I do have a lot going on with work. Is it possible that could actually be a reason? I did take some over-the-counter stuff for it, but that didn’t seem to work much. Can this last for a long time? Why do I have loose motion if everything else seems normal? Just looking for some thoughts or advice from anyone who’s been through this sort of thing.

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Doctors' responses

Loose motion, or diarrhea, can indeed arise from a variety of reasons, even when everything else seems normal. It’s not uncommon to experience this as a result of gastrointestinal disturbances, such as infections (viral, bacterial, or parasitic), food intolerances, or reactions to medications. The fact that it started soon after your family lunch suggests it might be linked to something you ingested. However, since your family hasn’t reported similar symptoms, it might not necessarily be food poisoning or a specific meal that triggered it. Stress and anxiety can sometimes contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea. Even if you don’t feel overly stressed, subtle pressures from work can take a toll on your digestive system. On the other hand, common viral infections like norovirus can happen unexpectedly and affect individuals differently. If the over-the-counter medications aren’t helping, one key step is to maintain hydration, as loose motions can lead to significant fluid loss. Drink clear fluids like water, broths, or oral rehydration solutions. Eat bland foods like BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) to see if that settles your stomach. If your condition persists for more than a couple of days, or if you notice severe symptoms such as high fever, black or bloody stools, or severe dehydration signs (dizziness, lack of urination), it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. This could help rule out any serious underlying conditions that might require specific treatment. If it’s a persistent issue, your doctor might consider additional investigations like stool cultures, blood tests, or an evaluation for food intolerances or allergies, especially if there’s no clear improvement. Although in most cases, acute episodes of diarrhea resolve within a few days with good hydration and dietary adjustments, ongoing symptoms may need further exploration to ensure effectiveness of the treatment approach.

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