Changes in Bowel Habits

The symptoms of changes in bowel habits vary, depending on whether they’re temporary or caused by an underlying condition. 

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea — when you pass a loose, watery stool during a bowel movement — is a common change in bowel habits. 

The main symptoms of diarrhoea are:

• abdominal bloating or cramps

• a strong and urgent need to move your bowels

• feeling nauseous

Symptoms of severe diarrhoea that require immediate medical attention include:

• a fever

• severe abdominal pain

• vomiting

• blood or mucus in your stool

• unintentional weight loss

Constipation

If you move your bowels fewer than 3 times per week, you may have constipation. 

The main symptoms of constipation are:

• difficulty passing stool

• straining when passing stool

• passing less stool than usual

• lumpy, dry, or hard stool

Other symptoms include:

• pain and cramping in the abdomen

• feeling bloated

• nausea

• loss of appetite

Other red flag symptoms 

In general, the red flag changes in bowel habits to look out for include:

• deep red, black and tarry, clay-coloured or pale stools

• bloody stools

• abdominal cramps and pain

• diarrhoea or loose, watery stools

• constipation

• bloating

• fatigue

• weight loss

There are many causes of changes in your bowel habits and stools, ranging from minor to severe.

It’s important to never self-diagnose. If you have any of the red flags listed above or are worried about your bowel habits, we recommend making an appointment to see one of our gastroenterology specialists as soon as possible.

Diarrhoea causes

The most common cause of diarrhoea is gastroenteritis, a virus that infects your gut. Infections, food poisoning, certain medications, food intolerance, bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and bowel procedures can all cause diarrhoea.

Constipation causes

Constipation can happen for many reasons, such as when stool passes through your colon too slowly. The slower the food moves through your digestive tract, the more water your colon will absorb and the harder your faeces will become.

Sometimes, constipation results from a blockage in your large intestine. If this is the case, you’ll need urgent medical attention. 

At other times, it may simply be due to a lack of fibre or water.

Causes of other changes in bowel habits

Other changes may be caused by:

• haemorrhoids (piles)

• anal fissures (tears in the lining of your anus)

• infections

• inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• food intolerance

• coeliac disease

• weak pelvic floor muscles

• colon polyps

• bowel obstruction

• bowel cancer

• diverticulitis

• endocrine conditions

• liver and gallbladder disorders

• neurologic conditions

• pancreatitis and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)

Changes in bowel habits as you age

You’re more likely to experience changes to bowel habits as you get older — constipation in particular. The muscles that help you control bowel movements can also weaken as you age, and the risk of faecal incontinence or struggling to control your bowels increases after 65.

Changes in bowel habits with perimenopause and menopause

Going through perimenopause and menopause can also cause a sudden change in bowel habits. This occurs as hormone levels go through a huge shift, which affects various systems, including the digestive system. This can cause changes in bowel habits.

While bowel changes are fairly common during menopause, it’s still important to make an appointment to see a colorectal specialist just to be sure there’s nothing else going on that requires treatment.

Change in bowel habits from early pregnancy

Changes in bowel habits, particularly constipation, are common throughout pregnancy during any trimester. They’re usually down to natural hormonal changes. However, if you’re pregnant and have noticed any changes, don’t hesitate to reach out for specialist advice.

At your initial consultation, your consultant will ask you to talk through your medical history and symptoms. They may also conduct a physical examination. They can sometimes make a diagnosis based on this appointment. 

However, they may need to run further tests. These might include:

• imaging scans

• blood tests

• a colonoscopy 

• flexible sigmoidoscopy

• gastroscopy

If your consultant needs to conduct any of these tests, they’ll explain why, what the procedure will entail, and how you can prepare.

Once your consultant has all the information they need, they’ll be able to make an accurate diagnosis, identify the cause, and recommend a treatment option that’s right for you.

If your changes in bowel habits are due to an underlying condition, you’ll need to treat and manage the condition.

However, you may be able to prevent temporary changes in bowel habits caused by lifestyle factors. You should try to:

• drink plenty of water

• eat more fibre-rich foods such as beans, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

• move your bowels when you need to

• avoid foods or drinks that upset your stomach

• exercise regularly

• don’t strain when you move your bowels

Most changes in bowel habits are temporary and not a sign of an underlying health condition. 

However, it’s essential to get any sudden or noticeable changes checked out. This is because some symptoms are caused by serious, and potentially life-threatening, conditions that will need medical treatment.

Your consultant will talk you through all your options and recommend the best course of treatment for you. 

Depending on the severity and cause, your options may include:

• dietary changes

• medication

• surgery

At Welbeck, our gastroenterologists and colorectal specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.