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I Noticed A Change In My Stool Being A Lot

Posted on Sat, 24 Aug 2019

Question: I noticed a change in my stool being a lot softer than normal about 4 months ago. I had just got over a bout of depression so I figured it was just that. 2 months later I was still having problems and i noticed that I was having to strain to pass gas especially when laying down. I went to the er and they did blood work and ct scan. They said everything looked okay other than I had some gallstones but they didn’t look like they were moving and I showed early signs of diverticulosis. I am still having these symptoms and very worried mostly having a hard time to pass gas I am only 31 and it doesn’t feel right.

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need few more details and clarifications.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for choosing 'Ask a Doctor' service for your query my dear,
I've read your details and I appreciate your concerns.

See after digestion of food in small intestines it contains lots of water. This water is being absorbed by large intestinal villi which contain small pouches called diverticulitis. If this diverticulitis is swelled up the absorption of water is hampered hence stool loses its consistency.

One question-- are you on any medication for depression. The primary side effect of an antidepressant is a gut problem in the form of loose stool or constipation.

Suggestion:
Get a stool culture test done to rule out bacterial or protozoan infection.
They cause inflammation of intestine hence water is not absorbed properly.
Therapy against the particular bacteria would be given as per culture report.
Till then take a probiotic daily with your food. ECONORM twice daily is a good option.
Along with it take a natural bulk-forming husk called psyllium husk. This absorbs water swells up and smoothes the passage of stool. It's a bulk-forming agent too.

Kindly clarify with the details...
Is it loose stools or Hard stools and were you on anti-depressants?

Awaiting
Thanks

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

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (32 minutes later)

Thank you for the answer. It is loose stool I’ve had no constipation which is why having trouble passing gas is concerning me and no I am not on antidepressants.

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
In that case just follow my advice for a week.
You would feel much better in a week time.
Feel free to follow up.
Do rate the answer.
Thanks.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana