What Is Change in Bowel Habits?
Change in bowel habits encompasses variations in how often you have bowel movements, the texture of your stool (e.g., hard, loose), and colour changes. These changes can be temporary or persistent, and they might be accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain or bloating.
What Are the Common Causes of Change in Bowel Habits?
Several factors can lead to changes in bowel habits. Some of the common causes include:
- Dietary Changes – A sudden alteration in your diet, such as consuming more or less fibre, can affect your bowel movements. Too little fibre can lead to constipation, while too much fibre may cause diarrhoea.
- Dehydration – Not drinking enough water can lead to hard and dry stools, making bowel movements difficult and uncomfortable.
- Stress and Anxiety – Emotional stress and anxiety can impact the functioning of the digestive system and lead to changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea or constipation.
- Infections – Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections in the gastrointestinal tract can cause temporary changes in bowel habits, often leading to diarrhoea.
- Medications – Certain medications, such as antibiotics, antacids containing magnesium, and some painkillers, can affect bowel movements and lead to constipation or diarrhoea.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – IBS is a chronic disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause a range of bowel habit changes, including diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating between the two.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are types of IBD that cause inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and other symptoms.
- Hormonal Changes – Fluctuations in hormones, such as during pregnancy or menstruation, can affect bowel movements in some individuals.
- Laxative Abuse – Overusing laxatives can disrupt the natural bowel movement process and lead to dependency and irregular bowel habits.
- Medical Conditions – Certain conditions like thyroid disorders, diabetes, or neurological diseases can influence bowel movements.
How Does Change in Bowel Habits Feel Like?
A change in bowel habits can manifest differently, and the sensations experienced can vary based on the specific alteration. Here are some common ways a change in bowel habits may feel like:
- Constipation – When experiencing constipation, you may feel like you can’t pass stools easily or have infrequent bowel movements. Your stool may be hard and dry, and you might experience straining and discomfort during bowel movements. You might also have a sensation of incomplete evacuation after using the restroom.
- Diarrhoea – With diarrhoea, you may have frequent and urgent bowel movements, often with a loose or watery consistency. You may feel like you must rush to the restroom, and the urge to go might be difficult to control.
- Alternating Constipation and Diarrhoea – Some people with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may experience alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea. This can be frustrating and unpredictable, leading to a mix of sensations related to constipation and diarrhoea.
- Abdominal Discomfort – In many cases of change in bowel habits, individuals may experience abdominal discomfort or cramping. This discomfort can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by bloating.
- Urgency – Changes in bowel habits, especially diarrhoea, can lead to a feeling of urgency, where you have a sudden and strong need to have a bowel movement.
- Nausea – In some instances, certain bowel issues may be accompanied by feelings of nausea or an unsettled stomach.
When to Seek Medical Help?
It’s essential to be aware of when to seek medical help if you experience changes in your bowel habits. While some instances may be temporary and resolved on their own, certain situations warrant medical attention. Here are some guidelines on when to seek help:
- Persistent Changes – If you notice persistent changes in your bowel habits that last for more than a few weeks, such as ongoing diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating patterns, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
- Blood in Stool – If you observe blood in your stool or on the toilet paper, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Blood in the stool can indicate underlying issues, including infections, haemorrhoids, or more serious conditions like colorectal cancer.
- Unexplained Weight Loss – If you experience unexplained and unintentional weight loss and changes in bowel habits, it’s essential to see a doctor. Significant weight loss without a known cause could be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires evaluation and treatment.
- Severe Abdominal Pain – If you have intense or persistent abdominal pain or cramping that is not relieved by passing gas or bowel movement, it’s best to seek medical help promptly.
- Frequent Nighttime Bowel Movements – If you frequently wake up at night to have bowel movements or experience disturbed sleep due to changes in bowel habits, it may indicate an underlying issue that needs attention.
- Family History of Bowel Disorders – If you have a family history of bowel disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or colorectal cancer, it’s important to be vigilant about any changes in your bowel habits and seek medical advice if needed.
- Recurring Episodes of Diarrhoea or Constipation – If you experience recurring episodes of diarrhoea or constipation that disrupt your daily life or interfere with your regular activities, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional.
What Are the Diagnostic Procedures to Identify Causes?
To identify the causes of the changes in bowel habits, a healthcare provider may perform various diagnostic procedures. These include physical examinations, blood tests, stool analysis, colonoscopy, and imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs. These tests help doctors determine the underlying condition and tailor an appropriate treatment plan.
Why It’s Important to Share Detailed Symptoms With the Doctor?
Sharing detailed symptoms with your doctor is essential because it allows them to diagnose accurately and provide the most effective treatment. Specific information about changes in bowel habits, including frequency, consistency, and any associated symptoms, aids in pinpointing the underlying cause. This collaboration between the patient and the doctor ensures better digestive health management and improved quality of life.
