Changes in bowel habits are a health situation in which the poop’s consistency, colour, and movement change. It can happen due to different reasons, which are usually not worrying. Still, if the situation is severe and disrupts the affected individual’s routine, one should consult a doctor immediately.

The changes can be observed in the form of differences in the colour and consistency of the poop, along with the individual’s control over bowel movements. If there is a massive change in these patterns, consulting a doctor is recommended. It helps one to get timely treatment to avoid worsening the situation.

Causes of Changes in Bowel Habits

Mentioned below are some causes of altered bowel habits that disturb the affected individual’s routine:

Unhealthy Lifestyle - One of the major causes of unhealthy bowel habits is an unhealthy lifestyle. An individual with no physical activity, unhealthy food habits, and increasing unhealthy weight is more prone to getting affected by changed bowel habits. The individual feels full and bloated and has to face multiple gut disorders within a short span. It happens due to improper digestion.
Anal Fissures - A health situation in which a tear in the anal lining is known as anal fissures. It is also accounted as one of the reasons for the change in bowel movement. The situation can be identified by blood stains in stool and pain while passing stools. Unhealthy lifestyles and routine habits are connected majorly to the issue as well. Anal fissures can be painful if not treated at the right time.
Bowel Obstruction - Bowel obstruction can also lead to bowel pattern changes. It is a medical issue in which something huge blocks the large intestine, stopping the digestion procedure. Hence, the affected individual feels low on appetite, abdominal pain, bloated, and inability to pass gas. The person can also feel the urge to vomit or may also feel nauseous.
Colon Cancer - Cancer that forms in the colon region of the human body is known as colon cancer. It can be identified by symptoms such as abdominal pain, pain in the pelvic area, blood while passing stool, and other similar issues. It is also one of the issues responsible for changes in the regular bowel habit. A doctor should immediately check such issues to avoid worsening the circumstances.

Symptoms of Changes in Bowel Habits

Tarry Stools - Black and tarry stools are primary signs of changes in everyday bowel habits. It can happen for various reasons; hence, professional medical help is essential to get to the root cause and treat the issue correctly. Ignoring the health condition and untimely treatment can worsen the situation and lead to dozens of other health problems, making it more severe and problematic to treat.
Diarrhoea - Diarrhoea or watery stool is also one of the symptoms of improper bowel movement. It can happen due to improper diet, unhealthy lifestyle, high consumption of junk and unhealthy food, and other similar reasons. The consumption of unhealthy and unfiltered water can also cause diarrhoea.
Uncertain Abdominal Pain - Another symptom of the issue is unexpected abdominal pain. Though it can happen for various reasons, one should not be negligent, as finding the root cause of the issue is necessary. Abdominal pain, if ignored, can increase in intensity with time and may also get severe if not treated with the required treatment options at the right time.

Treatment Options to Heal Changes in Bowel Habits

Drinking More Water- Drinking more water to maintain hydration is one of the primary steps suggested by a doctor. It helps to lower the chances of constipation and other abdominal issues. Maintaining hydration also helps to stay at bay from multiple other health issues. Hence, it is advisable to treat different types of health issues and have a healthy lifestyle.
Physical Activity- Any form of physical activity or exercise for at least 25 to 30 minutes a day helps one to stay active and is also recommended for a healthy lifestyle. It helps an individual stay healthy and is desirable for a healthy gut and stronger immunity. Being physically active is essential for proper digestion and maintaining gut and stomach health.
High Fibre Intake- Consumption of high amounts of oily or junk food immediately causes unhealthy changes in bowel habits. Hence, high fibre intake is essential to maintain healthy digestion and avoid different GI or digestive issues.

Conclusion

Changes in bowel habits are a sign given by the body that unhealthy scenarios are happening internally. It is an indication to bring healthy changes in lifestyle to avoid different digestive and gut issues. Timely changes help one to maintain healthy bowel movements and avoid different types of stomach and significant intestine issues.

Frequently Asked Questions about Changes in Bowel Habits

Q1. What do changes in bowel habits mean?
A1. Issues with gut and digestion resulting in differences in the appearance of the stool are termed changes in bowel habits.

Q2. How can changes in bowel habits be identified?
A2. Different types of health issues, such as abdominal pain, sudden loss of appetite, GI problems, and other similar problems, can be identified.

Q3. What are the possible causes of changes in bowel movements?
A3. Issues such as colon polyps, colon cancer, digestion problems, and various other issues are some of the causes causing changes in bowel movements.

Q4. How can changes in bowel movement be treated?
A4. The issue can be treated with the help of proper diet, physical activity, and avoiding junk food.

Q5. Which healthy habits can help one to stay at bay from bowel issues?
A5. Staying hydrated, eating fibrous food, and having daily physical activity are fundamental lifestyle changes that can help one keep bowel issues at bay.

Reference:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/changes-in-bowel-habits
https://www.healthline.com/health/change-in-bowel-habits