What causes constipation and loose stools?
Constipation and loose stools are common symptoms. There are many causes of these symptoms, with enteritis being one of the most common. Gastrointestinal dysfunction, weak spleen and stomach, or diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal polyps, and rectal cancer can also cause these symptoms.
1. Enteritis
Constipation and loose stools are typical symptoms of enteritis, a disease mainly caused by bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Patients may experience not only loose stools but also constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, borborygmus, and changes in stool foam, among other discomforts.
2. Gastrointestinal dysfunction
This condition is related to psychological factors. It can occur when one is under excessive stress, constantly anxious, or experiences relatively high levels of life and work pressure. Patients often experience loose stools. Some patients may also experience acid reflux, hiccups, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and other discomfort.
3. Weak spleen and stomach
Patients with weak spleen and stomach often have loose stools because their gastric motility is insufficient, which may lead to constipation. They may also experience palpitations, shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, and paleness.
4. Irritable bowel syndrome
This disease is related to factors such as enteritis, mental stress, and indigestion. When this disease occurs, patients often experience loose stools, frequently after meals, especially after breakfast. When the patient's stools are loose, diarrhea and constipation often alternate.
5. Intestinal polyps
If you have intestinal polyps, you will often experience loose stools. Although you may experience constipation, this symptom will not last forever, and sometimes you may also experience diarrhea.
6. Rectal cancer
When rectal cancer progresses to a certain stage, it can infiltrate surrounding tissues and organs, and may even invade the mucosal lumen. At this point, it can cause changes in stool shape, and alternating constipation and diarrhea. If you notice that your stool has become noticeably thinner and has grooves in the middle, you should be alert to the possibility of rectal cancer.