HomeAnswersMedical Gastroenterologyirritable bowel syndromeWhat could be causing my poor digestion and bowel irregularity?

Can stress cause bowel disturbances?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At October 13, 2015
Reviewed AtJuly 19, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am 44 years old male. I have a good diet. I have been taking good care of my health for the past 20 years as my digestive tract is bad for many years. Can you review my medical records from July and compare it with my CT scan done yesterday? One thing which is confusing me is the prominent lymph nodes in the paraaortic region. I could say neither stress alone is the cause for all my health problems, nor old age.

Answered by Dr. Babu Lal Meena

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The paraaortic lymph nodes mentioned in the report (attachment removed to protect patient identity) is almost in normal limit. The enlargement will become significant only if you have pain in the abdomen or fever or weight loss.

There could be many causes for bowel disturbance example: IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) or reflux of the gastric content that would also cause burning of the chest. In your case, it appears to be benign. We need more information about your bowel habits such as whether you have constipation or not.

Stress is a very important cause of bowel disturbance, one should alleviate all kind of stress to get rid of these problems.

Treatment plan

Treatment plan as advised previously.

Preventive measures

Preventive measures as advised previously.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor.

Should I have an ERCP test? When I eat a good diet my bowel function will be good and if I eat wrong foods I used to be constipated. I drink a lot. I also do one coffee enema a day.

I have a lot of stress, as my mother just passed away. To be honest I do not know to manage the stress. I do not have abdominal pain or fever or weight loss. I got a fever after my CT scan. I did lose some weight since my mother's death.

Answered by Dr. Babu Lal Meena

Hi,Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Now we reached the root of the cause. It is all because of the IBS, that is irritable bowel syndrome. It is directly related to stress and with confidence. One should have adequate confidence in passing stool in a nice way. This is only possible with a sound mind. You have to get rid of all the stress problem.

Do some mental stability exercise like yoga or play some games that can distract your anxiety.

We need to give stool softener also for some time with a high fiber diet. You also need to take some antianxiety drugs for some days. ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is not required.

Investigations to be done

Nothing is required.

Probable diagnosis

IBS (constipation dominant).

Treatment plan

1. Take Methylcellulose (Methocel) three spoons twice a day. 2. Take plenty of water. 3. Avoid enema. 4. Take high fiber diet.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Babu Lal Meena
Dr. Babu Lal Meena

Medical Gastroenterology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Medical Gastroenterology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy