An occasional upset stomach is common. Loose motions that keep coming back, or last more than four weeks, usually have a cause that can be found with a few tests.

Common causes

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), often linked to stress and certain foods
• Lactose intolerance, where milk and milk products cause gas and loose stools
• Infections such as amoebiasis or giardia from contaminated water
• Coeliac disease (wheat intolerance)
• An overactive thyroid
• Some medicines

See a physician soon if you have

• blood in the stool
• weight loss without trying
• loose motions that wake you up at night
• anaemia on a blood test
• new bowel changes after age 50, or a family history of bowel cancer

Tests that help

A stool test, complete blood count, thyroid profile and, if your doctor advises, a coeliac test. Keeping a two-week food diary also helps spot triggers such as milk, wheat or spicy food.

Where homeopathy fits

When serious causes have been ruled out, Dr Amit Kumar looks at your bowel pattern, triggers, stress and diet before prescribing. Many patients with recurring loose motions turn out to have IBS. Read more about IBS treatment in Ghaziabad. For a sudden bout of loose motions, see ORS, diet and danger signs.

Dr Amit Kumar (BHMS, Delhi Homoeopathic Board Reg. No. 2350) has practised in Sector 4, Vaishali, Ghaziabad since 1994. The clinic is at B-3, Basement, Mini Reliance Plaza, near Sarvodaya Hospital, open Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 1 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM. A consultation costs ₹500.

See clinic timings and book a consultation