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What Causes Diarrhea, Foul Smelling Stools, Frequent Bowel Movements And Blood In Stool?

Posted on Wed, 19 Jul 2017

Question: I hope so. Africian-american female, age 60. Experiencing the following symptoms for quite some time: diarrhea, constipation, VERY frequent defecation, undigested food in feces, foul-smelling stool, gas, occasional blood in stool, rectal pain or burning, fluctuating weight loss, swelling in ankles and feet ... but no abdominal pain.

By the way, I'm 5'2" and lucky to be 110 lbs

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Malabsorption syndrome most likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking HCM

I have gone through your query. Your problem can be most likely Malabsorption syndrome. A stool routine test will be helpful to rule out this.
For this I would suggest single dose of antibiotic Tinidazole and probiotics like sacharomyces boulardii. Taking natural probiotics like yogurt curd and banana daily is also good.
I would also recommend taking proton pump inhibitors like Esomeprazole(nexium) for 4 weeks to decrease gastric irritation.

Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Nishad BN (23 hours later)

Thank you for this information. I will speak to my primary physician about this. However, I do have a follow-up question. In cases of Malabsorption Syndrome, isn't there usually an underlying cause such as Celiac Disease, Crohn's, or something? It seems that most of the related conditions include abdominal pain as a primary symptom and I DON'T experience pain. I just run to the bathroom 3-4 times immediately after eating!

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (2 days later)

Brief Answer:
Malabsorption can be due to parasitic infection also.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome again

Thank you for your follow up.

Malabsorption can be due to parasitic infections also. Stool routine examination will be helpful to rule out this. In such case antibiotics like Tinidazole as a single dose and probiotics helps.
If that is not the case then colonoscopy should be done to rule out crohns or celiac. For that you should consult a gastroenterologist.
For celiac abstinence from gluten for 1 week will be giving relief. Pain is not must in the initial stages of these.

Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana