Persistent Light Yellow Diarrhea with a Sweet Odor (35 Male)
I am a 35-year-old Caucasian male from the UK. I maintain a smoke-free and alcohol-free lifestyle, measuring 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing slightly under 14 stone. I do not use illegal substances and besides having irritable bowel syndrome, I am generally in good health, without any other conditions or prescription drugs. While my routine doesn't prioritize exercise as I work from home, I do make an effort to play musical instruments and take walks when I can. This morning at 5 am, I experienced severe abdominal pain, almost as if a knife were being driven from behind my navel down to my groin. Afterward, I had to rush to the bathroom and since then, I've been dealing with diarrhea every 20 minutes throughout the day. Though I haven’t eaten at all, I’ve kept myself hydrated with water and consumed two glasses of apple juice. I’ve taken a packet of Imodium to no avail and have resorted to Buscopan to alleviate the discomfort. Initially, the diarrhea started with a typical brown hue and an unpleasant odor, but as the day progressed, the color and smell have transformed noticeably. Since around 3 pm, it has shifted to a pale yellow shade with an oddly sweet, albeit unpleasant scent. The episodes continue to occur every 20 minutes, especially after I have a drink. There also appear to be stringy substances or possibly mucus present, which I suspect could be remnants of undigested food. Additionally, I noticed an oily appearance to the stool, similar to the way oil separates in a bowl of ramen when mixed. My stomach has been gurgling relentlessly all day, sounding as if liquid is continuously swirling, akin to the operation of a water cooler. I’ve felt quite bloated, but fortunately, there hasn't been any significant pain. This yellow diarrhea is a new experience for me. I’ve consulted online sources for information, but I understand that it’s not always wise to rely on the internet for medical advice as it can suggest a multitude of potential issues. I would appreciate guidance on whether I should seek medical care, if there are indications for concern, or what specific symptoms I ought to monitor. Thank you for your assistance.
Answers (1)
8/19/2025, 10:41:00 PM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing persistent diarrhea, especially with a color change and unusual odor, can be concerning and may indicate an underlying issue. Your symptoms, combined with the presence of abdominal pain and significant changes in your stool, suggest that careful monitoring and understanding the potential next steps are essential.
Explanation:
Light yellow diarrhea often points to rapid intestinal transit, possibly due to digestive issues or malabsorption. The sweet odor may indicate that your body is not properly absorbing certain nutrients, and the oily appearance could suggest fat malabsorption, which can occur with certain conditions such as gallbladder problems or pancreatic insufficiency. Additionally, the presence of stringy substances may indicate mucus, which can occur in response to irritation in the digestive tract. Given your history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), this may exacerbate your symptoms, but the current severity and nature warrant closer attention.
Next Steps:
-
Hydration: Continue to drink clear fluids to stay hydrated. Avoid juices which can sometimes worsen diarrhea due to high sugar content. Stick to water, broth, or oral rehydration solutions if available.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms you may experience, such as fever, increased pain, blood in stool, or signs of dehydration (e.g., dizziness, dry mouth, reduced urination).
-
Diet Caution: Avoid eating solid foods until your symptoms stabilize. When you do reintroduce food, start with bland items like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet) to ease digestion.
-
Medication Review: Since Imodium hasn’t helped and you're using Buscopan, it may be wise to pause on other medications unless you are advised otherwise. Some medications can exacerbate underlying conditions.
-
Seek Medical Attention: Given the ongoing nature of your symptoms, the change in stool characteristics, and your significant abdominal pain, it’s advisable to seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare professional may need to perform tests to determine the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.
If your symptoms worsen or you develop new concerning signs, do not hesitate to seek immediate care. Remember, it's better to err on the side of caution with gastrointestinal symptoms that are new or severe.
Related Questions
Struggling with Persistent Heartburn and Indigestion
For the past four years, I (18-year-old female) have been grappling with various health issues, both physical and mental. Residing in New Zealand, I have faced challenges related to an eating disorder that has remained unresolved, largely due to inadequate therapists and treatment options. Recently, over the last year, and particularly in the past couple of months, I have been suffering from severe abdominal cramps and heartburn after consuming any food. This discomfort has significantly diminished my appetite, yet whenever I visit my doctor, I find myself receiving the same prescription for Omeprazole without any further investigation into my condition. The situation is becoming increasingly intolerable, and I feel lost in how to seek additional help. It feels as though my concerns are dismissed each time I bring them up. For context, I weigh 70 kilograms, stand at 168 centimeters tall, and am currently managing my mental health issues with medication for anxiety and depression, in addition to taking daily laxatives aimed at alleviating my digestive problems.
Enhancing Your Gut Health: Suggestions and Tips
Greetings! As a university student, I frequently encounter challenges with my digestive health. During the summer, I discovered that I am sensitive to both gluten and dairy; thankfully, I do not have any allergies or any issues with my internal organs. To assist with digestion and manage some parasites I have, I’ve been taking various supplements. However, despite these efforts, my gut health still feels subpar. Cooking and eating healthily is a passion of mine, which makes meal preparation enjoyable. However, I have struggled to shed pounds this summer, despite trying to maintain an active lifestyle. I've also cut back on sugary foods because my previous favorites are now restricted due to my sensitivities. What additional methods can I explore to enhance my gut health? I really miss feeling energetic and vibrant instead of constantly fatigued.
Checking In: Are Things Still Alright?
To provide some context, my husband, who is 21 years old, isn't particularly tall and has a slender build. He also has lactose intolerance and some digestive concerns. Here's the situation: a few months back, around three to four months ago, we were visiting a mutual friend who offered each of us an edible without disclosing that it contained a hefty 1000mg dosage. Although I find that hard to believe, considering the events that unfolded, it might be a possibility. We took the edibles, and about two hours later, most attendees were either asleep or completely passed out. One girl who had consumed hers earlier began waking up and vomiting profusely—this should have alerted us to potential dangers. When my husband and I attempted to sleep, rest eluded us. I struggled with breathing, felt nauseous, and genuinely feared for my well-being. I could sense my husband's anxiety, even though he was reluctant to express it. Eventually, I managed to drift off, but upon waking the following morning, I found that my husband had vomited in the bathroom. The content was dark, nearly black and grainy—a concerning color that I learned may indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding. I'm increasingly convinced that this was the case. Do you share that sentiment? Afterward, for an entire week, he experienced severe stomach sensitivity. Others who had ingested the edible expressed feeling unwell and out of sorts for about three days post-consumption. The entire experience was negative; that period of high felt distressing, and it mirrored early experiences of bad highs I had during my initial encounters with smoking, but it was exponentially worse. I’m left wondering if it was just cannabis or if it could have been something laced. What are your thoughts on this incident? His stomach seems to have recovered after that week, but do you believe everything is back to normal, or could there still be underlying issues if we’re not cautious?
Concerns About Persistent Digestive Problems with Clear Tests but Ongoing Symptoms
I'm a 40-year-old woman who has been struggling with recurring digestive issues for around nine months. Over the last two months, these symptoms have become more frequent, causing me considerable concern. **Symptoms:** My discomfort includes intermittent bloating, heartburn, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, and persistent abdominal pain that varies in location. At times, the pain affects the pelvic area, while at other moments it’s felt in my lower back or the lower left side of my abdomen. There are instances when I experience no pain at all. **Visible Swelling:** Recently, I’ve noticed a slight bulge beneath my ribs in the upper right side of my abdomen. This area seems firmer and feels different from how it used to, lacking the softness or fluid-filled sensation. **Changes in Bowel Movements:** My stools range from being normal to other shapes, including some that resemble small hard balls and, on one occasion, a spiral form. **Additional Observations:** Lately, I’ve had mild nausea, but thankfully no bleeding or vomiting has occurred. **Tests Conducted to Date:** - An ultrasound of the abdomen conducted two months ago returned normal results. - Blood tests, a fecal test, and a urinalysis from a few months back also showed no abnormalities. - I have colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures scheduled for three months from now. **Questions I Have:** - Is it possible that this could indicate a serious condition such as cancer, or does it appear more consistent with IBS, IBD, or another gastrointestinal disorder? - Why wouldn’t the ultrasound detect the bulge that I can feel? - What steps can I take in the meantime while I await the upcoming scope examinations? I find myself feeling anxious as this ongoing discomfort has persisted for quite some time, increasingly impacting my day-to-day life. I would greatly appreciate any insights, reassurance, or guidance on this matter.
Experiencing Unusual Noises From My Stomach?
I’m a 22-year-old female, standing 5’8” and weighing 195 pounds. I occasionally use e-cigarettes and only smoke cannabis infrequently—around twice a year, at most. To provide some background, I have been diagnosed with insulin-resistant PCOS and have recently begun taking metformin and spironolactone. However, the noisy stomach issue I’m experiencing started prior to starting these medications. It has become quite a source of embarrassment for me. Can anyone shed light on the possible causes of my excessively loud stomach sounds? Notably, these noises seem to intensify after I eat, indicating that hunger is likely not the issue at play here.