food in loose motion - #21927
I am really worried about this persistent issue I've been having. It's been over a week now, and I'm having serious problems with food in loose motion, like every meal I eat seems to trigger it. A couple of weeks ago, I thought maybe it was just something I ate, ya know? I had some street food that I’m pretty sure was questionable... but it just didn’t go away. Now, it’s like everything turns into food in loose motion, even my favorite home-cooked meals, which I've had countless times without an issue. I’ve tried avoiding spicy and oily food, but then it happens with plain rice too! I don’t know if this is anxiety causing it or what, but there’s this constant feeling of urgency like I can't step away from a restroom. Should I consider food allergies or maybe is it something more serious? Do I need a doctor to run tests or is this a common reaction for certain people? My friend told me that food in loose motion could be triggered by stress, but I’m not sure what to think anymore. It’s affecting my daily life! What do you all think I should do?
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Doctors' responses
Persistent loose motions, especially lasting more than a week, can indeed be concerning and it’s essential to get to the bottom of what’s causing it. You’ve done well to already avoid spicy, oily foods, but if even plain foods like rice trigger the symptoms, it’s time to look deeper. It’s quite possible that what might have started as a mild foodborne illness from the street food could have set off a condition like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or could still be an unresolved infection. Stress indeed can contribute to, or exacerbate, digestive issues, but it’s worth ruling out other potential causes like infections, food intolerances, or inflammatory bowel diseases. Allergies are less common to cause such consistent loose stools but should be considered if linked with other allergic symptoms like hives or wheezing.
In terms of immediate steps, maintain hydration as priority – clear fluids like oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte-rich drinks can be beneficial. Monitor your symptoms for red flags like blood in stool, weight loss, or fever, in which case seek medical attention promptly. A doctor can determine if further testing, like stool tests or bloodwork, is needed to check for infections, screen for lactose intolerance or celiac disease, or assess thyroid function, among others. They may also recommend a temporary dietary modification plan or introduce anti-motility medications if necessary.
While stress can impact digestive health, your symptoms’ persistence and impact on daily life indicate that it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional to rule out more serious conditions. They can guide you through diagnostic steps and tailor suitable treatment options. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment.
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