Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Persistent Constipation And Diarrhea
Question: In the last several months I have, sporadically, alternated between constipation and diarrhea. The problem lies in the fact that, sometimes, I need to RUSH to the bathroom because it is very difficult to control the need to move my bowels. And when that happens, the diarrhea is explosive. That may happen several times a day, for one or two days. Then, in the successive days, I will not have a bowel movement--perhaps because I have voided my bowels completely. I have read about a Pro-Biotic--VSL #3--but that is specifically for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Ulcerative Colitis, which I do not believe that I have. Thus, two questions: (1) Are my VERY URGENT URGES to have a bowel movement, which is always exlposive diarrhea, something that requires medical attention; and (2) Is there any contraindication to my taking the Probiotic, VSL #3, if it is specifically formulated for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Ulcerative Colitis?
Brief Answer:
Better to take expert opinion/ Antibiotic, infection damage probiotic
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking through Health care magic. I have read & understood your query.
The causes I can think for your problem with alternate diarrhea & constipation in your case is mostly age related changes in bowel function..leading to constipation, bloating , excess gas production... followed by a strong movement of bowels because of over distension of bowels.. causing the motion to be explosive & multiple to clear all the contents.
Possibility chronic intestinal infection by.. amoeba may mimic the same symptoms.so the answer to queries are-
1. Yes the Condition does need a medical consultation to-
- Exclude/ diagnose & treat possible intestinal infection.
- To get a detailed counselling about management of the condition .. in case it's age wise problem ( food intake/ life style changes/ anxiety management )
- Get specific instructions for water & liquid intake to avoid dehydration during phase of loose motions.
2 About probiotic...Mostly they are helpful & there are practically no contraindications for probiotic, because of their aid in digestion.May be given with digestive enzymes if doctor feels so.
It is not advised in few conditions like - Intestinal infections/consumption of antibiotics for any other cause( as these conditions harm & destroy the probiotic, & the wishful advantage is hampered in these cases)
VSL 3, has strong dose of probiotic..specifically for IBS,Though it may not cause any harm, you should change the brand with normal dosage ( Neutroline B )unless your doctor advises otherwise.
I hope the answer is both informative & helpful to you. Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
Better to take expert opinion/ Antibiotic, infection damage probiotic
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking through Health care magic. I have read & understood your query.
The causes I can think for your problem with alternate diarrhea & constipation in your case is mostly age related changes in bowel function..leading to constipation, bloating , excess gas production... followed by a strong movement of bowels because of over distension of bowels.. causing the motion to be explosive & multiple to clear all the contents.
Possibility chronic intestinal infection by.. amoeba may mimic the same symptoms.so the answer to queries are-
1. Yes the Condition does need a medical consultation to-
- Exclude/ diagnose & treat possible intestinal infection.
- To get a detailed counselling about management of the condition .. in case it's age wise problem ( food intake/ life style changes/ anxiety management )
- Get specific instructions for water & liquid intake to avoid dehydration during phase of loose motions.
2 About probiotic...Mostly they are helpful & there are practically no contraindications for probiotic, because of their aid in digestion.May be given with digestive enzymes if doctor feels so.
It is not advised in few conditions like - Intestinal infections/consumption of antibiotics for any other cause( as these conditions harm & destroy the probiotic, & the wishful advantage is hampered in these cases)
VSL 3, has strong dose of probiotic..specifically for IBS,Though it may not cause any harm, you should change the brand with normal dosage ( Neutroline B )unless your doctor advises otherwise.
I hope the answer is both informative & helpful to you. Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
