Q: I've had a perfect digestive system for 40 years, but a few months ago I began suffering from bloating, and constipation alternating with diarrhoea. It's as if my intestines have stopped moving! Drinking warm water doesn't seem to help. Should I use laxatives, or eat more vegetables?

A: It seems that you have two different problems, the first being abdominal discomfort and the second your change in bowel habits. The discomfort is a common problem and doctors are used to seeing it. It can be caused by a sluggish intestine or by gas produced by eating too much of certain kinds of food - fibre, for instance. So, avoid a high-fibre diet.

The sudden change in bowel habits could be a functional disorder, or due to an obstruction of the intestine and colon. Using a laxative, drinking more water and eating more vegetables are all good ideas, but if these don't improve things, it's time to see your doctor. You may need an exploratory examination to get a definite diagnosis.

Pitulak Aswakul, MD, is a gastroenterologist at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital.

Daily Xpress/Asia News Network