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What Causes Frequent Bowel Movements?
hello, I am female and 70 years old. I have noticed a frequency in bowel habits. ie I can empty my bowel up to 3 or 4 times a day. There is no pain or bloating. I eat a normal diet of fresh food and usually drink a glass of wine at night. Stools can be a loose and easy to pass stool but not overly. I have a colynospopy every 5 years, and it has been 2 years since my last test which was all clear. My 92 year old mother died of bowel cancer. My GP is not recommending further colynoscopy until the five year period is reached. can you please confirm if this situation is normal? thank you Regards Netta
Thu, 29 Nov 2018
Hello,
If the bowel frequency is for less then 2 weeks there is nothing to worry, just make sure you keep your self well hydrated.
If the diarrhea continues beyond 2 weeks then tests are needed to find the cause:
- stools for ova and parasites and stool antigen for giardia
- stool microscopy and fat amount examination
- tests for the pancreatic enzymes can be done (to check for pancreatic insufficiency)
- if all the tests fail to find the cause and the diarrhea persists then the colonoscopy is needed
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General & Family Physician
If the bowel frequency is for less then 2 weeks there is nothing to worry, just make sure you keep your self well hydrated.
If the diarrhea continues beyond 2 weeks then tests are needed to find the cause:
- stools for ova and parasites and stool antigen for giardia
- stool microscopy and fat amount examination
- tests for the pancreatic enzymes can be done (to check for pancreatic insufficiency)
- if all the tests fail to find the cause and the diarrhea persists then the colonoscopy is needed
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General & Family Physician
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