Can Fatty Liver, Or Any Liver Condition Be The Cause Of Loose Stool?

Posted on Mon, 10 Sep 2018

Question: Hello Doctor,
I have had loose stools for well over a month, during which time they have changed in consistency, color, odor. I eat more than I should, but do not seem to deficate an amount one would expect from the amount of food intake. I am not over weight, not an alcoholic, feel healthy, and am active. An ultrasound test indicated I possibly may have fatty liver disease.
My question is: can fatty liver, or any liver condition for that matter, be a cause of loose stool?

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Very likely not related to liver.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Have gone through your query and I appreciate your concerns.
See fatty liver is nothing but a age related change. In easy language see when a kid is born he has less fat however over years as he/she grows up fat builds up in their bodies(this is peripheral fat) in the same way as our liver ages it accumulates fat termed as fatty liver (visceral fat).

In normal scenario mild to moderate fatty liver won't cause the symptoms you are having but as you have mentioned any liver condition then yes severe hepatic problem or cancer or fat infiltration can cause it.

My recommendation-
Have you ever had a colonoscopy done?
After the age of 50, it is recommended that all people should have a colonoscopy every 5-10 years. Your symptoms sounds to be related more to your gut then liver.

Hope I was helpful.
please feel free to follow up.

Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar
Gastroenterologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)

Dear Dr. XXXXXXX
Thank you for your information. Given the facts that I have told you about my condition, would you please give me a differential diagnosis, including a worst-case scenario?

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

My differential for you is-

Very likely it can be either Irritable bowel syndrome and worst case scenario is colon cancer. However, Colonoscopy should be done.

Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (3 hours later)

Thank you! I appreciate your input. XXXXXXX Cohrs

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (6 days later)

Hello Dr. XXXXXXX
You asked if I had ever had a colonoscopy. I have had one about 5 years ago, and a few small polyps were seen. My mother had diverticulosis.
Since I have contacted you, my stools have changed consistency, but still are not normal. My guess is that I probably have diverticulosis. Again, I feel completely healthy otherwise. I have not tried to avoid eating things like nuts that would exacerbate diverticulosis. Do you suggest modifying my diet as a test? If so, what would I avoid eating?

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

My recommendation is:
1. Take simple home cooked food.
2. Avoid meat for few days.
3. Take lots of green vegetables and fruits in your diet they acts as roughage and give bulk to stools.
4. Isapghull husk is a natural husk and should be taken 2 tsf with warm water once daily. Again it would add bulk to stools.
5. Banana, orange, gauava, and grapes would be good for you.
6. Include cereals, oats, barley, and millet in your diet.
7. Avoid all sort of fast foods.
8. No alcohol or carbonated beverages.
9. No pizza burger n all.
10. Eat lots of yoghurt they are rich in natural good bacterias.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana