What causes loose, sugary stools and what should I do about it?
Nov 12, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, loose or watery stools may be caused by dietary factors, indigestion, intestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and other conditions. If severe discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In daily life, patients should avoid consuming raw, cold, greasy, or irritating foods, and should follow a light and healthy diet.
Under normal circumstances, loose stools may be caused by dietary factors, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, enteritis, ulcerative colitis, and other conditions. If severe discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Dietary factors
Consuming large amounts of cold beverages or undercooked food may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, accelerate intestinal motility, and shorten the retention time of food in the intestines, leaving insufficient time for water absorption, which can lead to loose stools. This condition generally does not require special treatment, and maintaining a light diet is usually sufficient.
2. Indigestion
Indigestion is typically caused by overeating or insufficient gastrointestinal motility. This condition prevents complete digestion of food; upon entering the colon, fermentation occurs, producing excess gas and liquid, which results in loose stools during defecation. Medications such as domperidone tablets, Jianwei Xiaoshi tablets (digestive tablets), and mosapride citrate tablets may be used under a doctor's guidance for treatment.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is usually caused by emotional stress, excessive pressure, or anxiety. During an episode, abnormal intestinal motility and sensation may occur, leading to changes in stool frequency and form, causing loose stools, and possibly accompanied by abdominal pain and bloating. Treatment options include lactobacillus tablets, live bacillus clausii granules, and bifidobacterium quadruple live tablets, used according to medical advice.
4. Enteritis
Enteritis is commonly caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections. The infectious agents can disrupt normal intestinal physiology and cause inflammation, leading to loose stools, possibly accompanied by abdominal pain and blood in the stool. Medications such as cefixime capsules, meloxicam tablets, and ribavirin tablets may be used under medical guidance for treatment.
5. Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is caused by an autoimmune response. When the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the intestinal mucosa, it may cause mucosal congestion and edema, leading to ulcer formation, which affects normal intestinal absorption and secretion functions, resulting in loose stools. This condition is often accompanied by diarrhea and abdominal pain. Treatments may include colloidal bismuth pectin capsules, omeprazole capsules, and berberine tablets, used according to medical instructions.
In daily life, patients should avoid consuming raw, cold, greasy, or spicy foods, and should maintain a light and healthy diet, such as porridge, noodles, and steamed buns, which can reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, ensuring adequate rest and engaging in moderate exercise are beneficial for recovery.
