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Smoker And Alcoholic. Noticed Blood In Stool. No Abdominal Pain. Is This Due To Bad Food Habit?
Question: I understand I have a very bad diet. I am a regular smoker and consume alchohol at least twice a week. Its been quite some time since I had a breakfast every morning. I have my lunch in the afternoon (maybe a light one) but have a heavy dinner. My stool has been pretty viscous over the past few days (it keeps fluctuating from time to time though).Is this because of my bad food habits? Also, once I happened to find blood in my stool (only once - Maybe a month ago). I do not have any stomach cramps or pain. Should I get some tests done?
Hello, XXXXXXX
Thank you for contacting XXXXXXX with your quiery.
I am glad that you are admitting to not paying
attention to your dietary habits.
Your stool consistency depends on the amount of
fiber you consume. A healthy diet should include
fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and enough
fluid intake which does not incluude alcohol.
You are also a smoker and you are in your twenties.
That can have long term effects on your lungs, may
cause emphysema, chronic bronchitis or even lung cancer.
I urge you to stop smoking please. There are products like
nicotine gum or patch to help you to quit smoking.
Make sure you have a good breakfast everyday. That should
include whole grain cereal and fruits. If you don't eat in the
morning , your bile in the gallbladder can get thicker and form
stones in time. You mention about blood in the stool.
If it happened after straining because of constipation , it could
be from piles or hemorrhoids. If the blood was mixed with
watery stool or diarrhea , we have to rule out infection or colitis.
I suggest you get a complete metabolic profile , lipid profile,
complete blood count and thyroid tests.
I want you to be active and excercising or walking regularly.
If you have any abdominal pain , persistent diarrhea etc then
you need x-ray studies , both upper and lower .
Hope this answers your concerns and I wish you the very best.
Thank you for contacting XXXXXXX with your quiery.
I am glad that you are admitting to not paying
attention to your dietary habits.
Your stool consistency depends on the amount of
fiber you consume. A healthy diet should include
fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and enough
fluid intake which does not incluude alcohol.
You are also a smoker and you are in your twenties.
That can have long term effects on your lungs, may
cause emphysema, chronic bronchitis or even lung cancer.
I urge you to stop smoking please. There are products like
nicotine gum or patch to help you to quit smoking.
Make sure you have a good breakfast everyday. That should
include whole grain cereal and fruits. If you don't eat in the
morning , your bile in the gallbladder can get thicker and form
stones in time. You mention about blood in the stool.
If it happened after straining because of constipation , it could
be from piles or hemorrhoids. If the blood was mixed with
watery stool or diarrhea , we have to rule out infection or colitis.
I suggest you get a complete metabolic profile , lipid profile,
complete blood count and thyroid tests.
I want you to be active and excercising or walking regularly.
If you have any abdominal pain , persistent diarrhea etc then
you need x-ray studies , both upper and lower .
Hope this answers your concerns and I wish you the very best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Mohammed Kappan
Hello Doctor XXXXXXX
Thank you for the speedy reply. I could not see any blood "in" my stool. I noticed the blood only when I was using the tissue paper. Moreover, I was not straining because of constipation. Would this rule out hemorrhoids?
I also wanted to ask you about the Liver Functionality Test. Given my alchohol intake, I do consume a "lot" of water. When do you presume I should take this test? I dont seem to be experiencing any pain in my liver region (but does it have to hurt if there is something wrong with your liver?).
Thank you for your advise doctor. I will work on quitting smoking.
Thank you for the speedy reply. I could not see any blood "in" my stool. I noticed the blood only when I was using the tissue paper. Moreover, I was not straining because of constipation. Would this rule out hemorrhoids?
I also wanted to ask you about the Liver Functionality Test. Given my alchohol intake, I do consume a "lot" of water. When do you presume I should take this test? I dont seem to be experiencing any pain in my liver region (but does it have to hurt if there is something wrong with your liver?).
Thank you for your advise doctor. I will work on quitting smoking.
Hello, XXXXXXX
Glad that you will start working on quitting smoking.
It is possible you may have small external hemorrhoids
that could have caused the blood.
As for blood tests, you need to be fasting for 12 hours.
You can drink water but not coffee.
Even if you have no symptoms, good to get a base line study.
I wish you the very best.
Glad that you will start working on quitting smoking.
It is possible you may have small external hemorrhoids
that could have caused the blood.
As for blood tests, you need to be fasting for 12 hours.
You can drink water but not coffee.
Even if you have no symptoms, good to get a base line study.
I wish you the very best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Thank you Doctor. This was really helpful!!!! :)
Dear XXXXXXX
You are very welcome and have agreat day !
You are very welcome and have agreat day !
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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