Q:

Hello, this is a bit embarrassing, but over the past month I have been suffering from almost non-stop constipation and diarrhea. The only thing I can think of that might of caused it was my drinking of tap water from my dorm sink (back home doing so was fine).

I tried laxatives to relieve the constipation, but it doesn't seem to have had any effect. Should I be worried?

 

A:

This would not be from drinking tap water. Intermittent constipation/diarrhea is usually related to dietary and stress factors and if there is a fair amount of cramping, it is called "irritable bowel syndrome". The best thing to try is natural fiber, which comes in the form of psyllium powder or capsules (Metamucil is a brand name) which can help regulate your bowel action. Don't take laxatives as that will only aggravate the diarrhea. If you are feeling ill, having fevers, having significant pain, any bleeding or mucusy stools, we should see you to check for infection or inflammatory bowel problems.

~The Doc