How to manage my bowel movements and improve my health?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am suffering from irregular bowel movements. I feel a burning sensation in the stomach and anus. If I eat anything spicy, I need to go to the restroom immediately. My poop smells and is semisolid, sometimes watery, but not like diarrhea. I have been suffering from this condition for the past year. I have been taking Clindamycin for over a week now.

What could it be?

What can I do to improve my condition?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You are suffering from a condition known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Your history is a classical suggestive of that.

However, IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion. So, we need to be sure it is not anything else like ulcerative colitis, thyroid disorder or autonomic neuropathy.

Please answer few of my questions to help you better with accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Is there any weight loss or abdominal pain or bloody stool?

Do you have diabetes? Is there any history of reddening of eyes?

Revert back with the answers for the above questions to a medical gastroenterologist online.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Your history is suggestive of IBS only. In fact, your sleeping issues are also related to that, as IBS is mostly a functional disorder and is most commonly seen in anxious people.

IBS is of three types which includes diarrhea predominant, constipation predominant and mixed variety. You seem to be suffering from IBS - diarrhea predominant.

However, we investigate suspected cases of IBS with thyroid profile, fasting blood sugar and ultrasound abdomen. If all investigations are normal, then you are probably suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

In case you ever have had blood or mucous in stools, you are required to get colonoscopy to rule out any evidence of inflammatory bowel disease.

I advice the following treatment for IBS:

A proton pump inhibitor like Pantoprazole and Rabeprazole, which will help in neutralizing any acid if you have in stomach.
You should avoid fat and spicy diet and prefer to take soft and bland diet.
You can take smooth muscle relaxant like Mebeverine for stomach pain, in case you have.
In refractory cases drugs like Chlordiazepoxide and Clidinium bromide can be used, if the condition is not responding.

For further information consult a medical gastroenterologist online.