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What Causes A Change In The Consistency Of Stool?
Question: I am unable to form solid stools and I must go to the toilet 5-6 times a day. My fecal matter is somewhere between solid and diarrhea. What might be causing this?
Brief Answer:
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Diarrhea is defined as passing 3 or more loose stools a day.
If this has been going on for more than 4 weeks then it would be called chronic diarrhea.
If it is shorter than this time then it would be acute.
Causes would include:(1) infection- intestinal infections are a cause of chronic diarrhea. A stool sample to the lab would be helpful here
(2) food intolerance- if it occurs with certain foods then it is possible that your body is tolerant to these foods. A food diary for a few days would clarify this
(3)irritable bowel syndrome- this is one of the most common causes
(5)thyroid disease (high levels of thyroid hormone) or diabetes that has affected the nerves of the intestines , can also cause diarrhea
(6)medication- some medications can cause diarrhea as a side effect so if you are using any meds, then this can be stopped.
(7)inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or crohns disease
To find the exact cause, you would need to be assessed by your doctor. This assessment should include a complete history of your symptoms, related conditions, medications.
General physical examination and examination of the abdomen would be needed
Investigations such as complete blood count, thyroid function tests, ESR (goes up if there is any inflammation in the body) and stool tests, would be needed.
Depending on the findings, imaging may be needed.
It would be best to be assessed.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Diarrhea is defined as passing 3 or more loose stools a day.
If this has been going on for more than 4 weeks then it would be called chronic diarrhea.
If it is shorter than this time then it would be acute.
Causes would include:(1) infection- intestinal infections are a cause of chronic diarrhea. A stool sample to the lab would be helpful here
(2) food intolerance- if it occurs with certain foods then it is possible that your body is tolerant to these foods. A food diary for a few days would clarify this
(3)irritable bowel syndrome- this is one of the most common causes
(5)thyroid disease (high levels of thyroid hormone) or diabetes that has affected the nerves of the intestines , can also cause diarrhea
(6)medication- some medications can cause diarrhea as a side effect so if you are using any meds, then this can be stopped.
(7)inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or crohns disease
To find the exact cause, you would need to be assessed by your doctor. This assessment should include a complete history of your symptoms, related conditions, medications.
General physical examination and examination of the abdomen would be needed
Investigations such as complete blood count, thyroid function tests, ESR (goes up if there is any inflammation in the body) and stool tests, would be needed.
Depending on the findings, imaging may be needed.
It would be best to be assessed.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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