How to manage drastic changes in the bowel movements?

Question

Hi doctor,

Should I be concerned if my bowels have changed dramatically within the last four weeks? It started with diarrhea and then constipation, and flat stools that I sometimes have to strain slightly to pass. I also have had this stomach discomfort (no pain), for the whole time, which comes and goes throughout the day. I can eat though I have an appetite, and there is no blood in stool or weight loss. I have Pepto for this at times. I have observed occasional mucus in stool. I had something similar last year when I was recovering from pneumonia and Covid. In addition, I had weight loss, loss of appetite, and sleep during those days. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

It all started with a stomach infection or indigestion. Now you have some stomach discomfort and changes in stool consistency, and there is no blood or pain. So, it looks more like Post-infectious IBS (irritable bowel syndrome, a common disorder that affects the stomach and intestines). It does not look like any sign of malignancy, for example, loss of hemoglobin or blood in stool. We need to increase water and fiber intake in order to improve this condition. Do regular exercise, practice meditation, and yoga. I do not think we require a colonoscopy (a medical procedure involving the endoscopic examination of the large bowel and the distal portion of the small bowel) at present. If the mucus is too much, you can add some local acting antibiotics course like tablet Rifaximin 550 mg twice daily after meals for seven days. Consult your doctor and take the medicines accordingly.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you want some help.

Thank you.