Happy bowels mean happy body
27 Mar 2013

Happy bowel means happy body– Part 2

2 mins to read
In part one you learnt about how a healthy bowel functions, and which stool colours may indicate unhealthy changes. Now it’s time to explore other symptoms that may indicate an unhappy large bowel.


In part one you learnt about how a healthy bowel functions, and which stool colours may indicate unhealthy changes. Now it’s time to explore other symptoms that may indicate an unhappy large bowel.

Floating stools

There are many reasons why your stools may float in the toilet but most are harmless. Usually it is due to what you have been eating and may be because there is an increase in gas in the faecal matter. Although less common, floating stools may result from a gastrointestinal infection or a problem with absorbing nutrients.

Tenesmus

Tenesmus means a feeling of incomplete evacuation, even if there is nothing in the bowel. Straining, pain and cramping may be associated symptoms. Tenesmus may occur due to an inflammatory bowel condition, such as an infection, or as a result of a motility (movement) disorder of the bowel. It is important to have this symptom checked out by a health professional, especially if associated with fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, blood in the stool or abdominal pain.

Flatulence

Flatulence is usually due to gas produced by what you have been eating, and may cause bloating and abdominal pain if gas is trapped in the intestines. Whilst some flatulence is completely normal, excessive flatulence (including burping) may indicate a problem such as gluten (or other food) intolerance, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), bacterial overgrowth, or traveller’s diarrhoea.  

Diarrhoea

The presence of diarrhoea (stools that are more frequent or looser than normal) is usually a sign that some kind of gut irritation is going on. This can be due to a number of causes including:  irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); a gastrointestinal virus; food poisoning; lactose intolerance; a bacterial infection such as Escherichia coli or Clostridium difficile; food intolerances; and a side effect of medications. If diarrhoea is common or severe, it needs to be checked out by a health professional.

Mucus in the stool

The presence of mucus in the stool may indicate that there is inflammation in the lower digestive tract. This could be as a result of some kind of infection, but it is also common in IBS. As with most symptoms, it is important to have it checked by a health professional to rule out any serious conditions.

Dry, hard stools

This is a sign of constipation, and may be due to inadequate fibre or water in the diet. Most healthy people pass a motion between three times per day and three times per week without strain, and with well-formed soft stools.

Risk factors for constipation include: a sedentary lifestyle; ignoring the urge to defecate; travel; laxative overuse; and the use of certain medications. Even though constipation is quite common and usually not serious, if there is abdominal pain also present, it is important to see your health professional.

References available on request


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