Gastroenterologist Questions Gastroenterologist

Morning Diarrhea?

I’m 58 years old otherwise fit and healthy apart from I always wake to use the bathroom every morning with very loose stools. This has been going on for 4 years ever since I had a bad dose of gastroenteritis. It’s only ever in the morning. I had a regular check with a probe/camera when I was 55 and everything was fine. I have had a cal protection test. Probably about 3 now and they were raised at first, then repeated and came back fine. I have no blood or mucus in my stools but the smell is very embarrassing. Is there anything you could recommend? I would consider myself fit and healthy otherwise.

Male | 58 years old
Medications: None

1 Answer

This appears to be a post-infectious IBS picture, which is generally not considered to be an inflammatory process but rather a neurological problem of the colon. Without having any more information than what was provided, you can try treating this by 1) lowering carbohydrates in the diet, 2) taking an imodium pill at bedtime, 3) use fiber to bulk up the stool, 4) treat with Rx meds via a GI doc or PCP.