
Stomach Virus, Acute Diarrhea, Fever, Cold, Smaller Stools, Intestinal Infection. Causes For Change In Stool Sizes ?

Thanks for the query.
Diarrhea is best described as increased in frequency and fluidity of stools when compared to normal consistency and frequency of stool for that person.
You possibly had acute infectious diarrhea when abroad. The frequency has decreased but the fluidity has not improved possibly because of mild persistent infection. This should improve over next couple of weeks.
Intestinal infection sometimes damages brush border of small intestine. Brush border helps absorption of nutrients. Damage results in malabsorption especially of carbohydrates (milk) and also increased fluidity of stools. Stopping milk for few weeks till brush border regenerates should help. I would also recommend increasing fiber intake in diet like Isapgol husk which is available over the counter.
Changed bowel patern beyond 4-6 weeks should always be investigated and any serious bowel problem should be ruled out.
Hope I answered your query.
Regards
Dr. Vaibhav Banait.


There is no such thing like healthiest size of stool. However, I would like to give you certain information.
There are seven types of stool:
Type 1: Separate hard lumps, like nuts (hard to pass)
Type 2: Sausage-shaped, but lumpy
Type 3: Like a sausage but with cracks on its surface
Type 4: Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft
Type 5: Soft blobs with clear cut edges (passed easily)
Type 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool
Type 7: Watery, no solid pieces. Entirely liquid
Diarrhea is defined by the World Health Organization as having 3 or more loose or liquid stools per day, or as having more stools than is normal for that person.
Constipation refers to bowel movements that are infrequent and/or hard to pass.
I would say type IV is normal. Type III is near normal.
Hope I have answered your query adequately. Should you have any more doubts, I am available to address them.
Regards,

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