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Can Gastroenteritis Cause Weight Loss, Diarrhea, Constipation And Thin Stools?
Question: for the past six weeks I have had loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea and constipation, thin pencil like stools, feeling like I need to have a bowel movement or have incompletely emptied my bowels, feeling of indigestion which is worse after I eat. At times I have mild pain in my upper abdomen. My stools at times appear darker than usual but I have not noticed any blood. I also have a lot of gas. I had a colonoscopy two years ago which was normal. I also had an abdominal ultrasound a couple of years ago which showed several gallstones. My father was diagnosed with stomach cancer in his eighties and I have an uncle on my fathers side that died of colon cancer.
Brief Answer:
A detailed evaluation is needed. Better to consult a gastroenterologist.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Most probably the symptoms you have mentioned be due to gastroenteritis (viral or bacterial infections) of your bowel.
But considering your age and family history, it is better to do a complete workup and evaluation.
Gall stones do not produce this kind of clinical picture. Moreover, no treatment is required for gall stones unless it produces severe pain.
I suggest you consult a gastroenterologist and get the following things done:
1- Do a stool occult blood to look for any parasites in the stool which can produce a similar clinical picture.
2- Get a CECT scan done to look for any stomach and colon diseases. CECT is always superior to ultrasound.
3- Colonoscopy can be done and is preferred considering your age and family history.
As of now, you can take laxative syrups at bedtime. Avoid spicy foods and include more fiber-rich foods.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Shinas Hussain, General & Family Physician
A detailed evaluation is needed. Better to consult a gastroenterologist.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Most probably the symptoms you have mentioned be due to gastroenteritis (viral or bacterial infections) of your bowel.
But considering your age and family history, it is better to do a complete workup and evaluation.
Gall stones do not produce this kind of clinical picture. Moreover, no treatment is required for gall stones unless it produces severe pain.
I suggest you consult a gastroenterologist and get the following things done:
1- Do a stool occult blood to look for any parasites in the stool which can produce a similar clinical picture.
2- Get a CECT scan done to look for any stomach and colon diseases. CECT is always superior to ultrasound.
3- Colonoscopy can be done and is preferred considering your age and family history.
As of now, you can take laxative syrups at bedtime. Avoid spicy foods and include more fiber-rich foods.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Shinas Hussain, General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
This cant be the flu. As I mentioned the symptoms have been present for at least six weeks
Brief Answer:
Flu is unlikely.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Flu is unlikely because you don’t have fever and duration is quite long.
Gastrointestinal conditions are more likely.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Shinas Hussain, General & Family Physician
Flu is unlikely.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Flu is unlikely because you don’t have fever and duration is quite long.
Gastrointestinal conditions are more likely.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Shinas Hussain, General & Family Physician
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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