GENERAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

Bowel Problems

Also called: constipation, diarrhoea, diarrhea, bowel problems, blood in stool, colon problems, blood when i wipe, bleeding when i poo, cant poo, struggling to poo

Bowel problems can include constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal discomfort and changes in the frequency, appearance or urgency of bowel movements.

TYPICALLY OCCURS

Diet, infection, medication and digestive conditions

TREATED BY

Bowel surgery, medication and dietary management

ALSO LINKED TO

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Why it happens?

Normal bowel function depends on coordinated movement through the digestive tract, adequate fluid intake, dietary fibre, gut bacteria and the muscles and nerves involved in passing stool. Changes in any of these factors can affect bowel habits. Constipation, for example, may develop when stool moves too slowly through the colon or becomes hard and difficult to pass, while diarrhoea occurs when intestinal contents move rapidly or excess fluid remains in the stool. Changes in diet, dehydration, reduced physical activity, stress, travel and certain medications are common reasons for temporary bowel problems.

Infections and longer-term gastrointestinal conditions can also change bowel function. Gastroenteritis can cause sudden diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and vomiting, while irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may cause recurring abdominal pain, bloating and constipation, diarrhoea or a combination of both. Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fatigue and sometimes blood in the stool. Other conditions, including coeliac disease, diverticular disease, food intolerances and pelvic floor dysfunction, can also produce changes in bowel habits.

Although most changes in bowel function are not caused by cancer, persistent unexplained symptoms should not automatically be attributed to diet or IBS. Bowel polyps, colorectal cancer and other structural conditions can sometimes cause a lasting change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, abdominal discomfort or iron-deficiency anaemia. The significance of a bowel problem therefore depends on the type of symptoms, how long they have been present, whether they represent a change from normal and whether other warning signs are present.

How far along is it?

Early

Temporary constipation, diarrhoea, bloating or changes in stool frequency occur occasionally, often following dietary changes, stress, travel or a short-term illness.

Moderate

Bowel changes occur regularly or continue for several weeks. Abdominal discomfort, urgency, difficulty passing stool or significant bloating may begin to interfere with everyday activities.

Advanced

Symptoms become persistent, severe or progressively worse, or occur alongside warning signs such as rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, anaemia, significant abdominal pain or substantial changes in bowel habits.

What addresses it?

Treatments that address this

Intestinal surgery→Haemorrhoid surgery→

Professional assessment is worthwhile when bowel problems persist, repeatedly return or represent a noticeable unexplained change from your usual bowel habits. Persistent constipation or diarrhoea, recurring abdominal pain, significant bloating or difficulty controlling bowel movements should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

It is particularly important to seek medical advice for blood in the stool or rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, persistent changes in bowel habits, unusual tiredness or suspected anaemia, or a persistent abdominal lump or pain. These symptoms can have many causes, but should be investigated rather than assumed to be a minor digestive problem.

Seek urgent medical attention for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, a significantly swollen abdomen with inability to pass stool or wind, repeated vomiting, large amounts of bleeding, black tar-like stools, fainting or signs of severe dehydration.

Quick Questions:

What are the most common bowel problems?

Common problems include constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal discomfort, excessive wind and changes in stool frequency or consistency. Conditions such as IBS, infections and food intolerances can also affect bowel habits.

What can cause a sudden change in bowel habits?

Short-term changes may result from diet, infection, stress, travel, dehydration or medication. Persistent changes can have other causes and are worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

When should I worry about changes in my bowel movements?

Seek medical advice when a change persists, keeps returning or occurs with blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, significant abdominal pain or unusual fatigue. Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms may require urgent assessment.

Can bowel problems be a sign of bowel cancer?

Most bowel symptoms have causes other than cancer. However, bowel cancer can cause persistent changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, abdominal symptoms or anaemia, so unexplained or persistent symptoms should be appropriately assessed.