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:
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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