Hi,I am Dr. Subhankar Chakraborty (Gastroenterologist). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
Been Constipated And Abnormal Bowel Movement. Stool Has Shreds And White In Color. Due To Traveling?
I recently returned from a vacation in costa rica. Since my return a week ago, I have been constipated and not having my normal bowel movements. I feel like I have to strain to go, and it comes out in tiny, loose shreds. However the last two times I noticed the initial stool that comes out is hard and has white coloration on the side. Is this something due to traveling?
Your symptoms are indicative of travelers diarrhea. It occurs due to change of water and climatic conditions to which the body system fails to adapt. You need not worry as you are not febrile and you do not have blood passing in your stool. You should take plenty of pure, hygienic water, fluids, juice and soups to keep yourself hydrated. You should avoid dairy products and food that is hard to digest. You can take plain porridge, well cooked rice or fruits that are boiled and peeled.
If you are feeling weak and unwell do consult a physician so that you can get adequately hydrated through IV lines, you may need antibiotics orally or through infusions as may be your condition. Travelers diarrhea goes away within a week by itself if you are under proper rest and care.
To avoid getting sick with this kind of ailment take bottled water whenever you are traveling avoid drinking local water. You can even get hepatitis A vaccination as a precaution. Sometimes people even get affected with worst kind of infections like cholera, typhoid, etc. Do not neglect yourself, get treated well. Take care.
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Been Constipated And Abnormal Bowel Movement. Stool Has Shreds And White In Color. Due To Traveling?
Hello John, Your symptoms are indicative of travelers diarrhea. It occurs due to change of water and climatic conditions to which the body system fails to adapt. You need not worry as you are not febrile and you do not have blood passing in your stool. You should take plenty of pure, hygienic water, fluids, juice and soups to keep yourself hydrated. You should avoid dairy products and food that is hard to digest. You can take plain porridge, well cooked rice or fruits that are boiled and peeled. If you are feeling weak and unwell do consult a physician so that you can get adequately hydrated through IV lines, you may need antibiotics orally or through infusions as may be your condition. Travelers diarrhea goes away within a week by itself if you are under proper rest and care. To avoid getting sick with this kind of ailment take bottled water whenever you are traveling avoid drinking local water. You can even get hepatitis A vaccination as a precaution. Sometimes people even get affected with worst kind of infections like cholera, typhoid, etc. Do not neglect yourself, get treated well. Take care.