What does it mean when stool is loose?
Apr 24, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
Loose stools may result from consuming unclean food or spicy, irritating, raw, or cold foods, leading to intestinal dysfunction. However, it cannot be ruled out that loose stools are caused by medical conditions such as functional dyspepsia, enteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, or intestinal bleeding. The exact cause can be determined through a hospital examination, followed by appropriate treatment.
Loose stools may be caused by physiological factors, but disease-related causes cannot be ruled out, such as functional dyspepsia or enteritis. The specific analysis is as follows:
I. Physiological Factors
Consuming spicy, stimulating, raw, or cold foods can increase the burden on the intestines, stimulate excessive gastrointestinal motility, or lead to excessive gastric acid secretion, resulting in loose stools or increased frequency of bowel movements.
II. Disease-Related Factors
1. Functional Dyspepsia
After eating contaminated food, harmful intestinal bacteria may proliferate rapidly. Food is broken down more quickly, stimulating the gastrointestinal tract and accelerating intestinal motility, which may lead to diarrhea or bloating.
2. Enteritis
If the intestine is infected by bacteria or viruses, it can cause intestinal flora imbalance and increased intestinal burden, stimulating the gastrointestinal tract and leading to loose stools or alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation.
Additionally, conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or intestinal bleeding should also be considered. It is recommended to seek prompt medical evaluation at a hospital for appropriate diagnostic tests to determine the exact underlying cause and receive targeted treatment.
