Changes in Bowel Movements: What You Need to Know

Our bowel movements are a crucial part of our digestive health, and any changes can often be a cause for concern. Whether it’s a shift in frequency, consistency, or color, understanding these changes can help you better manage your health and seek appropriate care when needed. In this blog post, we will explore common changes in bowel movements, their potential causes, and when you should consider reaching out to a healthcare professional.

1. Frequency Fluctuations

• Normal Range: The frequency of bowel movements can vary widely among individuals. On average, people have anywhere from three bowel movements a week to three a day.
• Increased Frequency: If you’re experiencing more frequent bowel movements than usual, it could be due to several factors:
  • Dietary Changes: High fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, can increase the frequency of bowel movements.
  • Stress or Anxiety: Emotional stress can impact your gut, leading to more frequent bowel movements.
  • Infections: Gastrointestinal infections can cause diarrhea and increased bowel movements.
• Decreased Frequency: Conversely, fewer bowel movements may indicate:
  • Constipation: Often related to a low fiber diet, dehydration, or lack of physical activity.
  • Medications: Some medications, especially painkillers and certain antidepressants, can cause constipation.
  • Medical Conditions: Conditions such as hypothyroidism or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may affect bowel regularity.

2. Consistency Changes

• Loose or Watery Stools:
  • Possible Causes: This can be a sign of diarrhea, which might be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, inflammatory condition of the bowel, food intolerances, malabsorption syndrome, or medications.
  • Management: Staying hydrated is crucial. Consider over-the-counter medications like loperamide for short-term relief but consult with a healthcare provider if diarrhea persists.
• Hard or Pellet-Like Stools:
  • Possible Causes: Hard stools are often indicative of constipation. This can result from insufficient fiber intake, dehydration, or lack of physical activity.
  • Management: Increase dietary fiber, drink plenty of water, and engage in regular physical activity. Over-the-counter laxatives can help, but they should not be used frequently without medical advice.

3. Color Variations

• Brown:
  • Normal: Brown is they typical color of stools, resulting from the breakdown of red blood cells in the liver resulting in bilirubin secretion into the GI tract.
• Black or Tarry Stools:
  • Possible Causes: Black stools may indicate the presence of digested blood, often from an upper gastrointestinal bleed. It can also result from consuming certain foods or can be related to taking specific medications including iron supplements and bismuth subsalicylate.
  • Action: If you notice black, tarry stools, seek medical attention promptly.
• Red Stools:
  • Possible Causes: Red stools may signal blood in the lower gastrointestinal tract or could be due to eating foods with red coloring, such as beets.
  • Action: If red stools persist or are accompanied by pain or discomfort, consult with a healthcare provider.
• Green Stools:
  • Possible Causes: Green stools can occur from consuming large amounts of green leafy vegetables or foods with green dye. They can also result from rapid transit through the intestines.
  • Action: If green stools are persistent and accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

4. Other Considerations

• Mucus in Stool:
  • Possible Causes: The presence of mucus can be a sign of inflammation or infection in the intestines, such as with infectious diarrhea or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).  Passage of small amounts of mucous or “gel-like” material can be seen with moderate to severe constipation.  Mucus can also be seen in benign conditions including irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Action: Monitor for additional symptoms like abdominal pain, blood in the stool, and diarrhea/constipation.  If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
• Odor Changes:
  • Possible Causes: Significant changes in stool odor can be related to dietary changes, infections, or malabsorption issues.
  • Action: Persistent or unusually foul-smelling stools warrant a discussion with a healthcare provider.

5. When to Seek Medical Attention

• While occasional changes in bowel movements are usually not a cause for alarm, persistent or severe changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. It’s particularly important to seek advice if you experience:
  • Significant or unexplained weight loss
  • Moderate to severe abdominal pain
  • Blood in stool or black/tarry stools
  • Persistent diarrhea or constipation lasting more than a week
  • Unexplained changes in stool color or consistency

Conclusion

Monitoring your bowel movements is an important aspect of maintaining digestive health. While occasional changes are often benign and related to diet or stress, persistent or severe changes may indicate an underlying issue. By understanding what constitutes normal and recognizing when to seek medical advice, you can better manage your health and ensure any potential problems are addressed promptly.

Remember, your gut health is a reflection of your overall well-being. Paying attention to these signals from your body can help you stay on top of your health needs and address any issues before they become more serious. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for personalized advice and support.

Written by Dr. David Q. Gulley, Gastroenterologist