What To Do If You Think You Have Dysentery
A dysentery is a severe form of gastrointestinal infection. This is more evident with bacillary dysentery due to severe symptoms.
Sometimes, having an attack of dysentery requires medical treatment to prevent complications. However, symptoms will go on their own within 3-7 days.
General treatment tips:
- Eat bland foods such as bananas, rice, toast, and apple sauce .
- Over-the-counter antispasmodics and antidiarrheals such as Bismuth subsalicylate .
- Wash your hands, stay away from close personal contact and isexual activity to avoid passing out the infection to others.
- In severe cases, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics , and even intravenous fluids for severe cases.
Abdominal Bloating Blood In Stool
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Swollen Or Discolored Breast
Breast swelling can be normal. Many womens breasts swell before their periods or during pregnancy. However, if you have unusual or new swelling, talk to your doctor. Rapid swelling or discoloration may be signs of inflammatory breast cancer.
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare type of advanced breast cancer that develops quickly. Breast infections can also have very similar symptoms. Its important to see your doctor if you see skin changes or other changes in your breast.
Abdominal bloating is a common menstrual symptom. Some food sensitivities can also make you feel bloated for a day or two. However, abdominal bloating that lasts more than a week can be an early sign of ovarian cancer.
Other ovarian cancer symptoms include:
- feeling full quickly after eating
- difficulty eating
- a frequent need to urinate
- a persistent lack of energy
- postmenopausal bleeding
- abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge in premenopausal women
These symptoms are easy to overlook. Many cases of ovarian cancer arent identified until later stages. Talk your gynecologist if you have unusual or persistent bloating.
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Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth
Symptoms
Small intestinal bowel overgrowth is when theres an abnormal increase in the bacteria that live in your small intestine, such as E. coli or Klebsiella.
Several things can lead to SIBO. Surgery of the intestines that changes your anatomy can cause it. Decreased motility of the small intestine caused by IBS, diabetes, or opioid drugs can also cause SIBO. And people who have a weakened immune system have a higher risk of SIBO.
SIBO can interfere with your bodys ability to absorb nutrients from your food, which can lead to vitamin deficiencies.
SIBO can be diagnosed using a non-invasive carbohydrate breath test. Your doctor may also recommend an endoscopy and colonoscopy to rule out other diseases.
Treatment may include dietary changes, nutritional supplements, and antibiotics to control bacterial overgrowth.
Can Different Foods/drinks Cause Black Stool
Yes, the following foods can cause black stool: black licorice, blueberries, iron supplements, lead, Pepto-Bismol, and charcoal. Iron supplements, beets, and dark leafy vegetable can also darken stool as well as foods that contain blood, like blood sausage or blood pudding. Dark beers and lagers may also significantly darken stool.
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Can Black Stool Be Caused By Stress
No. Black stool cannot be caused by stress. It is possible for stress to cause an ulcer, for that ulcer to bleed, and for that blood to darken stool, but this is relatively uncommon. Stress in the absence of other conditions does not cause black stools. Conditions that cause black stool, however, can cause stress or place stress on the body. A bleed in the gut can also cause fatigue and irritability in some.
Signs And Symptoms Of Stomach Cancer
Oliver Eng, MD, is a double board-certified surgeon and surgical oncologist and an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Chicago.
The signs and symptoms of stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, can range from blood in the stool to abdominal pain. For many people, though, there are no symptoms of stomach cancer, especially in its early stages. Symptoms may also be so vague or non-specific, and easily mistaken for other conditions or everyday stomach issues.
Depending on the type of stomach cancer you have, as well as the stage of disease, symptoms can vary. There are also many other reasons for different signs and symptoms, so it’s important to remember not to panic.
Keep reading to find out more about signs and symptoms of stomach cancer. If you find yourself having persistent or recurrent symptoms, or just feel like something isn’t right, call your healthcare provider. They can do an exam and get to the bottom of what may be causing your symptoms.
Symptoms alone cannot diagnose stomach cancer. Only an investigation by a healthcare provider, which may involve imaging studies and a biopsy, can definitively diagnose the disease.
This article explains the seven symptoms commonly experienced in people with stomach cancer.
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Possible Symptoms Of Bowel Cancer
The symptoms of bowel cancer can include:
- bleeding from the back passage or blood in your poo
- a change in your normal bowel habit, such as looser poo, pooing more often or constipation
- a lump that your doctor can feel in your back passage or tummy , more commonly on the right side
- a feeling of needing to strain in your back passage , even after opening your bowels
- pain in your abdomen or back passage
- tiredness and breathlessness caused by a lower than normal level of red blood cells
Sometimes cancer can block the bowel. This is called a bowel obstruction. The symptoms include:
- cramping pains in the abdomen
- feeling bloated
- constipation and being unable to pass wind
A bowel obstruction is an emergency. You should see your doctor quickly or go to A& E at your nearest hospital if you think you have a bowel obstruction.
How Can I Prevent Stomach Bloating
If your stomach bloating is caused by diet or alcohol, you can help prevent it by making some lifestyle changes. Some good general guidelines include:
If the cause of your bloated stomach is something more specific, such as specific food intolerance, perimenopause or a medical condition, you might need a little help with diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Some options include:
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Rectal Bleeding In Young People
While cancer is most commonly diagnosed in older adults, young adults often develop conditions that may cause rectal bleeding. Irritable bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease often first begin affecting adults in their 20s or 30. These conditions may increase the risk of colorectal cancer later in life.
Also, new diagnoses of colorectal cancer are surging in young adults. The disease is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in people 20 to 45 years old. Dr. Kachaamy says young adults should not ignore blood in the stool, even if it goes away after a few days.
While some conditions that cause bleeding resolve themselves quickly without treatment, other conditions like cancer and inflammatory disease will need treatment. Identifying them early offers you a stronger change for a better outcome, he says. Colorectal cancerespecially rectal canceris on the rise in young adults, and we currently do not screen average-risk adults below the age of 45. This means that to diagnose these diseases early, you need to be vigilant to early symptoms such as bleeding and not neglect these symptoms.
If youve been diagnosed with cancer of the digestive system, including colorectal cancer, stomach cancer or esophageal cancer, and are interested in a second opinion on your diagnosis and treatment plan, or chat online with a member of our team.
Change In Bowel Habit
Tell your GP if you have noticed any persistent and unexplained changes in your bowel habit, especially if you also have bleeding from your bottom. You may have looser poo and you may need to poo more often than normal. Or you may feel as though you’re not going to the toilet often enough, or that you’re not fully emptying your bowels.
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What Is A Bloated Stomach
A bloated stomach is first and foremost a feeling of tightness, pressure or fullness in your belly. It may or may not be accompanied by a visibly distended abdomen. The feeling can range from mildly uncomfortable to intensely painful. It usually goes away after a while, but for some people, its a recurring problem. Digestive issues and hormone fluctuations can cause cyclical bloating. If your bloated stomach doesnt go away, you should seek medical care to determine the cause.
Counseling And Stress Relief
Many people who seek care for IBS also have anxiety, panic, or depression. Stress is also an issue for people with IBS because it can make the symptoms worse. Research shows that psychological therapy can help ease IBS symptoms. Therapies that can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy , a short-term treatment that mixes different types of therapies and behavioral strategies. The type of CBT used to treat IBS may focus on managing life stress. Or, it may focus on changing how a person responds to anxiety about IBS symptoms.
- Dynamic psychotherapy, an intensive, short-term form of talk therapy. It may focus on in-depth discussions about the link between symptoms and emotions. The therapy may also help people identify and resolve interpersonal conflicts.
- Hypnotherapy, where people enter an altered state of consciousness. Visual suggestions are made to imagine pain going away, for example.
General stress relief is also important. Exercising regularly is a good way to relieve stress. It also helps the bowel function better and improves overall health. Meditation, yoga, and massage may also help.
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Bloating Blood In Stool Slight Stomach Pain / Cramps
Hi all, i’m 32 years old and the past few months ive had occasional red bleeding in my stool, i have a dull ache cramp pain too which is slightly period like but very faint.
Today I went to the toilet and noticed there was blood in the bowl and again when i went to urinate there was some in there.
I am concerned it’s something sinister, I have already told my doctors about on off bleeding the past few months but they just referred me for blood tests and everything came back fine, i think i had a fbc and a few other checks such as coeliac which came back negative.
I’ve paid online for a private bowel cancer test which i can do next week after the wekeend but i’m hoping to hear from people that have had the same symptoms and it’s been something simple and not the c word as i am very stressed alone right now.
I’m sitting here sobbing as i also lost my mum to C so i just really really am hoping it’s something simple and would like to know if anyone has experienced similar symptoms and it has been ok.
I have alot of stomach bloating, but this has been for years and years and never changed so i dont think this is a recent or connecting symptom
Can Bloating Be Prevented
To keep your digestive system working well, follow a healthy diet and eat at least 30g of fibre every day. Cut down on processed and fatty foods, and drink less alcohol. Drink plenty of water and take any medicines as directed by your doctor.
Dont overeat, and try to eat more slowly. Eating regularly will help to prevent digestive problems.
Regular exercise is also important for your gut because it strengthens the muscles in your tummy and stimulates the digestive system to push food through. It also helps with stress, which affects the nerves in the digestive system and can slow down digestion.
Smoking is very bad for your digestion. If you smoke, try to quit now.
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Unusual Shortness Of Breath
Its normal to feel winded after climbing up the stairs or running to catch a bus. But being short of breath after a light activity could be an early sign of a serious lung or heart problem. Its important to discuss any new shortness of breath with a doctor.
One potential cause of shortness of breath is coronary ischemia. Coronary ischemia is a lack of blood flow in the heart muscle caused by a partial or complete arterial blockage. Both a partial and complete arterial blockage may also cause a heart attack.
Go to an emergency room as soon as you can if you have shortness of breath and begin to experience:
- chest pain or discomfort
Occasional stomach problems shouldnt be a major cause of concern. However chronic stomach problems could be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome . Symptoms of IBS include:
- abdominal pain and cramps
IBS is more common in women than men. Its easy to confuse its symptoms with an upset stomach or a bad meal. You should see a doctor if you experience these symptoms regularly. IBS is treatable with changes to your diet and lifestyle. Medication can also help with symptoms.
Stomach symptoms can sometimes be a sign of other serious health problems. Talk to your doctor if youre experiencing ongoing issues with your digestive system.
When To See A Health Care Provider
If you have symptoms of shock, you or someone else should call 911 or your local emergency medical number. If you’re vomiting blood, see blood in your stools or have black, tarry stools, seek immediate medical care. For other indications of GI bleeding, make an appointment with your health care provider.
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When Should You Worry About Blood In Your Stool
This page adheres to our medical and editorial policy and guidelines.
It can be unsettling to find signs of blood in your stool. But you shouldnt immediately think the worst. True, blood in the stool may be caused by a variety of conditions or diseases, including cancer, that could develop into serious health issues if left untreated. But the blood may also be a product of more benign conditions, such as hemorrhoids, which, while still unwanted, are often less serious than other conditions.
Still, if you notice blood after a bowel movement, its a good idea to contact your doctor to find the cause, says Toufic Kachaamy, MD, Gastroenterologist and Interventional Program Specialist at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® , Phoenix.
Blood in the stool is always abnormal and needs to be investigated, he says. Never assume its benign or not significant until youve had a thorough investigation by your physician.
In this article, well explore the causes of rectal bleeding and bloody stools and what you should do about them. Topics include:
If youve been diagnosed with cancer of the digestive system, including colorectal cancer, stomach cancer or esophageal cancer, and are interested in a second opinion on your diagnosis and treatment plan, or chat online with a member of our team.
Non Specific Stool Change
There are many factors affecting the appearance of someone’s stools. Often a variation in stool color and/or consistency is caused by food or medicines. Leafy greens and certain vegetables like spinach and kale can make stool look green. Iron supplements and medicines containing bismuth like Pepto-bismol can turn stools black. It looks like your stool change is probably a variation of normal.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: black stool, green poop, dark brown stool, red stool
Symptoms that never occur with non specific stool change: tarry stool, weight loss, rectal bleeding, fever
Urgency: Wait and watch
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How Long Does A Bloated Stomach Last
If your bloating is due to something you ate or drank or to hormone fluctuations, it should begin to ease within a few hours to days. If you are constipated, it wont go down until you start pooping. Water, exercise and herbal teas can help encourage all of these things along. If it doesnt go away or gets worse, seek medical attention.
How Is Bloating Diagnosed
Your doctor can generally diagnose the cause of your bloating through a physical exam in the office. They will ask you questions about your symptoms. They will want to know if your bloating is occasional or if it occurs all the time.
Temporary bloating is usually not serious. If it happens all the time, your doctor may order other tests. These could include an imaging test to look inside your abdomen. This could be an X-ray or CT scan.
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Abdominal Pain And Bloating
Stomach bloating, distention, cramps or pain in the abdominal or bowel region can be symptoms of colon or rectal cancer. These are common issues that can also be caused by a number of conditions, including diet-related gastrointestinal distress, Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis. See your doctor if you experience frequent abdominal pain and bloating that does not have an obvious cause.
Unexplained Weight Loss Loss Of Appetite And Feeling Weak
Losing weight, losing your appetite or feeling weak are all possible signs of colon or rectal cancer along with many other unrelated conditions. In patients with colon or rectal cancer, these symptoms are usually related. Persistent diarrhea can cause weight loss. Stomach pain and nausea can reduce your appetite so that you dont consume enough food to maintain your weight. All these issues, as well as anemia, can lead to weakness.
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