Understanding and Managing Altered Bowel Habits
A shift in stool characteristics, such as frequency, consistency, color, or degree of control over when you pass gas (incontinence), is referred to as a change in bowel habits. Unusual variations in stool color can include Tarry, black stools, and stools the color of clay.
Principal Signs and Symptoms of Altered Bowel Habits
- Cramps and pain in the abdomen, which can be eased by passing gas
- A shift in your digestive patterns, such as constipation, diarrhea, or occasionally both
- Your stomach will enlarge and bloat
- Increased wind (flatulence) and sometimes the sudden, pressing urge to urinate
- The NHS reports on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
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Get A Second OpinionPersonal Habits Related to Bowel Movements
Personal habits related to bowel movements can differ. These include the frequency and timing of bowel movements, as well as their color and substance. Any changes to these routines throughout the day indicate a shift in bowel habits.
Changes in bowel movements may suggest a transient infection in certain cases, but they may also signal more serious issues. Understanding when to seek medical attention might prevent an emergency from getting worse.
Normal vs. Abnormal Bowel Movements
Some individuals pass stool multiple times a day, while others might only do so once. It's too long, according to the Cleveland Clinic, to go more than three days without a bowel movement. Normal faeces are usually brown and should be quickly passed.
Cause For Stool's Color to Shift Abnormally
- Tarry, black stools
- Stools with a clay color
- Stools with a solid red color
- White-colored benches
Stool Consistency Changes
- Dry feces
- Watery
- Loose stools watery
- Firm stool mucus or fluid that spills out surrounding the stool (known as diarrhea)
What are the Causes for Changes in Bowel Habits?
A transient infection or an underlying medical problem are only two of the many causes that might lead to changes in bowel habits. The following are a few chronic illnesses that may alter bowel habits:
- Celiac disease
- Crohn's disease
- Diverticulosis
- IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome
- Thyroid conditions
- Ulcerative colitis
Many antibiotics and other medications might alter a person's bowel habits. If you recently started taking a new prescription and noticed changes in your bowel movements, read the side effects on the packaging or get in touch with your doctor or pharmacist.
Additionally, taking too many laxatives may change your bowel habits.
Spinal cord injuries, cancers, and stroke-related nerve loss can all impair your capacity to control your bowel motions.
Diagnosis of Changes in Bowel Habits
A doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms and collect a medical history when you seek medical assistance. If you are experiencing blood in your stool, you could be requested to provide a stool sample for analysis.
Diagnostic Examinations
Other examinations that could be performed to identify possible reasons for alterations in bowel habits consist of:
- Blood examinations
- A colonoscopy is a procedure that looks into the colon's inner lining to find cancers, polyps, diverticula, or bleeding spots.
- CT scan to see any bowel abnormalities or malignancies
- X-ray imaging to see intestinal air trapped.
Treatments for Changes in Bowel Habits
The way your doctor treats changes in your bowel movements depends on the underlying problem.
If bleeding is a problem, a gastrointestinal specialist may repair the bleeding location, or the bleeding area may heal on its own.
If constipation is a concern, a physician could suggest preventative measures. These may consist of:
- Consuming more water
- Exercise on a regular basis
- Eat more fibre
- Use the restroom as soon as you feel the need to.
Your unique diagnosis will determine any additional therapies.
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