Dr. Basuki Nath Bhagat
Family Physician
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am a 25-year-old female with symptoms of intermittent diarrhea associated with crampy abdominal pain relieved by defecation. I noticed that diarrhea started maybe around four years ago. At first, the abdominal pain will usually occur after food intake (I could not find a particular pattern or food trigger). The stool was usually watery with some small formed pieces and 2 to 3 episodes of blood. However, diarrhea has become more persistent and occurs more often, even with food that does not usually cause diarrhea. I also noted some blood in the stool 2 to 3 times. My regular bowel movements before this are not regular. I usually defecate 2 to 3 times a week. Currently, I am on the medication Althea (Hibiscus) for PCOS. I have a family history of colon cancer (grandmother), lung cancer (uncle on my mother's side), and hypertension (mother and grandfather).
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have read your query. I am sorry for the discomfort you are having. Your concern at present is intermittent diarrhea with crampy abdominal pain, which is relieved with defecation. You have a history of constipation too. Constipation alternating with diarrhea and recurrent abdominal pain point towards Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Since, at present, you have symptoms of diarrhea, it could be IBS-diarrhea predominant (IBS-D). But, usually in IBS, diarrhea or stool does not contain a blood component. Answer the following questions Do your symptoms worsen during premenstrual and menstrual phases? Is abdominal pain is the more consistent symptom present? Is there any passage of mucus in stool? Any signs of tenesmus? Are you taking any antidiarrheal medicine? Are you experiencing any weight loss? At what age was your grandmother diagnosed with colon cancer? It would help if you underwent a few tests to rule out other diseases. Kindly revert back. Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for your reply. Do your symptoms worsen during premenstrual and menstrual phases? More frequent passage of stool during menstrual phases, but not associated with abdominal pain or intake of food. Is your abdominal pain is the more consistent symptom present? It is predominant, but there have been some episodes without any abdominal pain, just diarrhea. Is there any passage of mucus in stool? I do not think so. I have not noticed. Any symptoms of tenesmus? No. Are you taking any antidiarrheal medicine? No. Are you experiencing any weight loss? Fluctuating weight. At what age was your grandmother diagnosed with colon cancer? At stage IV, when she is 84 years old. What tests should I take? Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Thanks for the reply, mam. Reading your answer gives more inclination towards the diagnosis of IBS-D. You need to undergo a few tests to rule out other diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, Celiac, etc. But your reply to my questions has tailored the diagnosis towards IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). I would suggest you visit a gastroenterologist or internal medicine doctor in your area to address your symptoms before undergoing any tests on your own. He would be in a proper position to make the diagnosis as you have obvious signs. I hope I guided and diagnosed your condition with the chat and helped you. Follow up if you have any queries. Take care. Thank you.
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Family Physician
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