Altered Bowel Habits Symptom: When to Worry and Seek Help

Types of Altered Bowel Habits

Altered bowel habits can manifest in various forms, depending on the underlying cause and how the digestive system is affected.

• Diarrhea: Having loose, watery stools often, usually caused by infections, food sensitivities, or stomach issues.
• Constipation: Difficulty passing stools or infrequent bowel movements, commonly due to a low-fiber diet or dehydration.
• Abnormal Stool Consistency: Tough, liquid, or mixed stools may indicate digestive issues.
• Mucus in Stool: Mucus in stool can be a sign of infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or other digestive problems.

Conditions That Cause Altered 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.

Common Causes of Altered Bowel Habits

Diet

• A low-fiber diet or eating too many processed foods can lead to constipation or diarrhea. Dairy, spicy foods, and fatty meals can irritate the digestive system.

Stress and Anxiety

• Emotional stress can upset the digestive system and cause changes in bowel movements.

Infections

• Bacterial or viral infections can lead to diarrhea and discomfort.

Medications

• Some medications, like antibiotics or pain relievers, can disrupt gut bacteria and cause changes in bowel habits.

Hormonal Changes

• Hormonal changes, especially during menstruation or pregnancy, can affect bowel movements.

Symptoms of Altered Bowel Habits

Symptoms of altered bowel habits vary depending on the underlying cause but may include

• Frequent or infrequent stools: Changes in the frequency of bowel movements, either more or less than usual.
• Pain or cramping: Discomfort in the abdomen, especially before or during bowel movements.
• Blood in stool: This could signal conditions like hemorrhoids, IBD, or colon cancer.
• Bloating and gas: Feeling fullness or bloating, often associated with constipation or food intolerances.
• Nausea: A sensation of queasiness, often accompanying digestive disorders.

When to Visit a Doctor?

Seek medical attention if

• You experience persistent changes in bowel habits.
• There is blood in your stool or black, tarry stools.
• You have unexplained weight loss, severe pain, or fatigue.
• You experience diarrhea or constipation lasting more than a few days.
• Do you have any other concerning symptoms like fever or dehydration?

Diagnosis of Changes in Bowel Habits

When you visit a doctor, they will ask about your symptoms and gather your medical history. If you have blood in your stool, you may be asked to provide a stool sample for testing.

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.

Treatment and Management for Altered Bowel Habits

Treatment varies based on the underlying cause and may involve

• Dietary Adjustments: Eating more fiber, staying hydrated, or avoiding foods that worsen symptoms.
• Medications: Take laxatives for constipation, anti-diarrheal medications, or antibiotics for infections.
• Probiotics: Supplements that support gut health and improve digestion.
• Stress Management Therapy: Using techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to handle anxiety or stress.
• Surgery: In severe cases, such as with cancer or blockages, surgery may be necessary.

Prevention for Altered Bowel Habits

To prevent altered bowel habits, consider these strategies.

• Eat a Balanced Diet: Include plenty of fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water throughout the day to support healthy digestion.
• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity promotes regular bowel movements.
• Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga.
• Avoid Trigger Foods: Stay away from foods that irritate your digestive system.

Lifestyle Changes for Altered Bowel Habits

Specific lifestyle adjustments can help manage altered bowel habits:

• Regular Exercise: Helps keep the digestive system functioning properly and reduces stress.
• Mindful Eating: Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to improve digestion.
• Proper Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night to help regulate your digestive system.
• Limit Processed Foods: Reduce intake of foods high in sugar, fats, or artificial additives.

Home Remedies for Altered Bowel Habits

Here are some home remedies that may help manage altered bowel habits:

• Chamomile Tea: Known for its calming properties, it can help soothe digestive discomfort.
• Ginger: A natural remedy for nausea and digestion, ginger can promote healthy bowel function.
• Warm Water with Lemon: Drinking warm water with lemon the first morning can help stimulate digestion.
• Aloe Vera: Consuming aloe vera juice may ease constipation and promote overall digestive health.
• Probiotic Foods: Include yogurt or kefir to boost the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.