‘I have had semi-solid stool for one year’
DEAR Doctor,<br>I am 41, male and for the last one year, I have had loose stool. It ranges from semi solid to liquid. I have tested my stool several times, but no parasites or germs or anything bad was found.
DEAR Doctor,
I am 41, male and for the last one year, I have had loose stool. It ranges from semi solid to liquid. I have tested my stool several times, but no parasites or germs or anything bad was found.
The latest analysis indicates macroscopy: semiformed and soft stool with a brown colour; Microscopy: No ova, trophozoites nor cysts seen. Interestingly, I have only lost 2 kgs in one year. My diet has been constant as before and well cooked. Why is my stool not solid for a whole year?
Worried Paul Lomer
Kotido
Dear Paul,
Many people assume sudden diarrhoea is food poisoning (due to what you ate). There are other common causes like intestinal parasitic and virus infections. Chronic diarrhoea for a prolonged period may be a symptom of several serious underlying medical conditions and there are over 100.
One of them is an alteration in the ability of the intestine to absorb nutrients adequately into the bloodstream (malabsorption syndrome). This appears to be nearer to your condition. It may be as a result of inflammation, infection, antibiotics, injury, radiation or surgical removal of portions of the intestine.
But malabsorption should have given you a weight loss of between 10%-20% of normal body weight in spite of increased oral intake of nutrients. You should feel weak and fatigued; have an abdominal distension with cramps, bloating and gas. You therefore need to see a Gastroentologists for proper diagnosis of the underlying cause of the diarrhoea.
You now need a thorough medical examination and maybe an X ray to assist in diagnosis. If you still fail to get the cause, go for small intestine biopsy, ultrasound, computed tomography scan (CT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), barium enema, or other X rays of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas.
It is also better to check if there is any one in your family with a history of malabsorption or cystic fibrosis. In the mean time, keep a patient and positive attitude. You also need good nutrition, a well-balanced diet.
Do not drink alcohol or beverages containing caffeine, (such as tea, coffee, and soft drinks) to prevent the dehydration. Ensure your food is not contaminated, the water you drink is not infected and your environment is clean. Practice proper hygiene by washing hands before and after meals, proper food handling techniques and a clean environment.
Dr Herbert Mugarura
mugarrajk@doctor.com
+256 77444526
I am 41, male and for the last one year, I have had loose stool. It ranges from semi solid to liquid. I have tested my stool several times, but no parasites or germs or anything bad was found.
The latest analysis indicates macroscopy: semiformed and soft stool with a brown colour; Microscopy: No ova, trophozoites nor cysts seen. Interestingly, I have only lost 2 kgs in one year. My diet has been constant as before and well cooked. Why is my stool not solid for a whole year?
Worried Paul Lomer
Kotido
Dear Paul,
Many people assume sudden diarrhoea is food poisoning (due to what you ate). There are other common causes like intestinal parasitic and virus infections. Chronic diarrhoea for a prolonged period may be a symptom of several serious underlying medical conditions and there are over 100.
One of them is an alteration in the ability of the intestine to absorb nutrients adequately into the bloodstream (malabsorption syndrome). This appears to be nearer to your condition. It may be as a result of inflammation, infection, antibiotics, injury, radiation or surgical removal of portions of the intestine.
But malabsorption should have given you a weight loss of between 10%-20% of normal body weight in spite of increased oral intake of nutrients. You should feel weak and fatigued; have an abdominal distension with cramps, bloating and gas. You therefore need to see a Gastroentologists for proper diagnosis of the underlying cause of the diarrhoea.
You now need a thorough medical examination and maybe an X ray to assist in diagnosis. If you still fail to get the cause, go for small intestine biopsy, ultrasound, computed tomography scan (CT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), barium enema, or other X rays of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas.
It is also better to check if there is any one in your family with a history of malabsorption or cystic fibrosis. In the mean time, keep a patient and positive attitude. You also need good nutrition, a well-balanced diet.
Do not drink alcohol or beverages containing caffeine, (such as tea, coffee, and soft drinks) to prevent the dehydration. Ensure your food is not contaminated, the water you drink is not infected and your environment is clean. Practice proper hygiene by washing hands before and after meals, proper food handling techniques and a clean environment.
Dr Herbert Mugarura
mugarrajk@doctor.com
+256 77444526