CHANGE IN BOWEL HABITS
CAUSES, SYMPTOMS & diagnosis of a:
CHANGE IN BOWEL HABITS
Private COLORECTAL & bOWEL dIAGNOSTICS Specialist
Everyone’s bowel habit is different. However, a noticeable change from what is normal for you may sometimes indicate an underlying bowel condition.
Mr Peter Asaad provides expert assessment for patients experiencing a change in their bowel habits, taking a detailed history, performing a thorough examination, and arranging appropriate investigations where needed.
SYMPTOM
What is a change in bowel habits?
A change in bowel habit refers to a noticeable and persistent change from your usual pattern of bowel movements. This may develop suddenly or gradually and can be temporary or long lasting.
A change may involve opening your bowels more or less often than usual, passing looser or harder stools, needing to rush to the toilet, feeling that your bowels do not empty completely, or alternating between loose and hard stools.
Some changes settle on their own, particularly if they are related to diet, medication or a short-lived illness. However, persistent or unexplained changes should be assessed to identify the underlying cause and determine whether further investigation is required.
What are normal bowel habits?
There is no single “normal” bowel habit. Some people open their bowels three times a day, while others may only go three times a week. As long as this pattern is normal for you and your stools are easy to pass, it is usually not a cause for concern.
Normal stools are generally soft, well-formed and easy to pass without excessive straining or urgency.
Causes
Common Causes of a Change in Bowel Habit
A change in bowel habit can have many different causes. Some are temporary and settle on their own, while others may require further investigation or treatment. Common causes include:
Changes in diet, fluid intake, exercise, travel or daily routine can all affect your bowel habit. These changes are often temporary & usually settle once your normal routine returns.
Some medications can affect the way your bowels work. Common examples include antibiotics, opioid painkillers, iron tablets and certain weight-loss medications.
Viral and bacterial infections commonly cause a sudden change in bowel habit, often with abdominal cramps and feeling generally unwell.Â
Some people experience a change in bowel habit because the bowel does not function normally, despite there being no structural abnormality. This can result in infrequent bowel movements.
IBS is a common condition that affects the way the bowel functions. It can cause abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habit, with symptoms often fluctuating over time.
Diverticular disease can affect bowel habit and may be associated with abdominal discomfort and bloating. If the diverticula become inflamed (diverticulitis), symptoms are usually more severe.
When should a change in bowel habits be investigated?
Many changes in bowel habit are temporary and settle without treatment. However, persistent or unexplained symptoms should be assessed, particularly if they represent a clear change from what is normal for you.
A specialist assessment can often identify the underlying cause through a careful history and, where appropriate, further investigations.
You should consider seeking specialist advice if you have:
- A persistent change in bowel habitÂ
- A progressive worsening of your bowel habitÂ
- A change accompanied by:Â
- Rectal bleedingÂ
- Abdominal painÂ
- Unexplained weight lossÂ
- Iron deficiency anaemiaÂ
- A family history of bowel cancerÂ
- A family history of inflammatory bowel disease
Diagnostics
How are Changes in Bowel Habit Investigated?
The most appropriate investigations depend on your symptoms, medical history, examination findings, age and any associated risk factors. Following a detailed consultation, further investigations are often recommended to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Your consultation begins with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, including the severity and frequency of your bowel habits, together with any associated symptoms, previous medical conditions, medications and previous surgery.
Stool tests may be arranged to look for signs of infection, inflammation, blood within your stool.
Blood tests may be arranged to look for signs of infection, inflammation, anaemia, liver or kidney problems, or abnormalities of the pancreas and other organs.
Depending on your symptoms, imaging may include an ultrasound scan, CT scan or, less commonly, an MRI scan. These investigations help identify conditions affecting the bowel.
If appropriate, a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy may be recommended to examine the bowel, particularly if you have rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss or other symptoms suggesting bowel disease.
Following your assessment and any necessary investigations, the findings will be discussed with you and a personalised management plan agreed. This may involve treatment, surgery, reassurance or referral to another specialist where appropriate.
Treatment
Conditions that may require surgical treatment
Although many causes of a change in bowel habit can be managed without an operation, some conditions may require surgical treatment.
These include:
- Colorectal cancer – surgery is often the main treatment and may be combined with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.Â
- Diverticular disease – surgery may be recommended for recurrent episodes of diverticulitis or complications such as strictures, fistulas or perforation.Â
- Inflammatory bowel disease – although usually managed with medication, surgery may be required if complications develop or medical treatment is no longer effective.Â
Following assessment and any necessary investigations, the most appropriate treatment can be recommended. This may involve conservative management, surgery where appropriate, or referral to another specialist.
Where surgery is required, some procedures are well suited to private treatment, while others are more appropriately performed within the NHS, particularly if they are complex or require input from a wider multidisciplinary team. This will always be discussed with you, and recommendations will be based on what is in your best interests.
Â
Common conditions treated:
About
Mr Peter Asaad
Mr Peter Asaad is a Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon with over 17 years’ experience in the NHS.
He specialises in colorectal surgery and the treatment of bowel conditions, alongside common general surgical problems such as hernias and gallstones. His practice includes advanced keyhole techniques for colorectal cancer and the management of conditions such as haemorrhoids, fissures and fistulas.
He sees patients within Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust and privately across Manchester and Cheshire.
Mr Asaad provides clear, pragmatic advice and a straightforward approach to treatment, ensuring patients understand their options and can proceed with confidence.
testimonials
What Patients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most common questions patients ask about a change in bowel habits. As new questions arise, this section will be updated to provide clear and relevant information.
What are normal bowel habits?
There is no single “normal” bowel habit. Some people open their bowels several times a day, while others may only go a few times a week. The important thing is what is normal for you. A persistent change from your usual pattern should be assessed.
What does a change in bowel habit mean?
A change in bowel habit refers to a noticeable and persistent change from your usual bowel pattern. This may involve opening your bowels more or less often than usual, changes in stool consistency, increased urgency or difficulty emptying your bowels.
What causes a change in bowel habit?
A change in bowel habit can have many causes, including changes in diet or lifestyle, medications, infections, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional bowel disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease and, less commonly, bowel cancer. Some changes are temporary, while others require further investigation.
What causes a sudden change in bowel habit?
A sudden change in bowel habit is often caused by a temporary illness, dietary changes, medications or an infection. If symptoms persist, worsen or are associated with other concerning features, further assessment is recommended.
Can stress or anxiety affect my bowel habit?
Yes. Stress and anxiety can affect how the bowel functions and may contribute to changes in bowel habit, particularly in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, persistent or unexplained changes should still be assessed to exclude an underlying medical condition.
Can bowel cancer cause a change in bowel habit?
Yes, although most changes in bowel habit are not caused by bowel cancer. A persistent change, particularly when associated with rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss or iron deficiency anaemia, should always be investigated.
Are changes in bowel habits normal with age?
Bowel habits can change gradually with age due to changes in diet, activity levels, medications and other medical conditions. However, a new or persistent change should not simply be attributed to getting older and may require further assessment.
Should I worry about a persistent change in bowel habit?
A persistent change in bowel habit should not be ignored, particularly if it represents a clear change from your normal pattern or is associated with other symptoms. Identifying the underlying cause helps determine whether treatment or further investigation is required.
What tests may be needed?
Depending on your symptoms, investigations may include blood tests, stool tests, CT or MRI scans, and flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. The most appropriate investigations will be recommended following your consultation.
Should I see a specialist?
If you have a persistent or progressive change in bowel habit, or if your symptoms are associated with rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or iron deficiency anaemia, a specialist assessment can help identify the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.