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What Causes Frequent Bowel Movements?
I seem to have two different conditions. For about 4 or 5 months, my bowel movements have been more frequent -- at least twice a day. In the past, they only once a day at most. About 8 years ago, I had radiation therapy for prostate cancer. I recall proctitis as a possible side effect, but I thought that unlikely 8 years after the therapy. The second problem began about 4 weeks ago: bloating and consistent discomfort in the upper abdomen -- that along with flatulence and three days of black stools. This began a couple of days after a coffee binge (trying to meet a publication deadline). For many years, I have suffered with acid reflux, but it has not been a problem for some time; I was taken off meds for it 2 or 3 years ago. --Male, 68.
posted on
Sun, 25 Mar 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 1 May 2018
Answered on
Wed, 2 May 2018
Last reviewed on
Hello,
Some variation in bowel habits is normal and large variations in them with constipation and/or diarrhea is a common condition called irritable bowel. In this condition, the bowel responds to different foods, drugs, life habits and stress with a lot of change in activity.
Caffeine can cause increased bowel activity.
Black stools can indicate bleeding anywhere along the gastrointestinal path and need to be looked at immediately.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Matt Wachsman
Some variation in bowel habits is normal and large variations in them with constipation and/or diarrhea is a common condition called irritable bowel. In this condition, the bowel responds to different foods, drugs, life habits and stress with a lot of change in activity.
Caffeine can cause increased bowel activity.
Black stools can indicate bleeding anywhere along the gastrointestinal path and need to be looked at immediately.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Matt Wachsman
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