Having bowel movements two to three times a week is considered normal from a medical point of view. Irregular bowel movements occur when there is constipation, diarrhea or other abnormalities over a long period of time.
What is irregular bowel movement?
If irregular bowel movements manifest themselves as a recurrent alternation of constipation and diarrhea, this could also be an indication of a tumorous event in the intestine. Irregular bowel movements can have a variety of causes. Food intolerances, insufficient intake of fiber or fluids, and acute or chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract are some factors. Irregular bowel movements are also favored by psychological factors such as stress or changes in life circumstances. If irregular bowel movements occur over a long period of time, it is advised to seek medical help. If irregular bowel movements manifest themselves in a recurring alternation of constipation and diarrhea, this could also be an indication of a tumorous process in the intestine. A medical examination can provide clarity in this case.
Causes
Constipation (constipation) occurs when the body is fed an unbalanced diet low in fiber and too high in sugar. Decreased intake of water or other clear liquids and lack of exercise promote constipation. Diarrhea is often observed in cases of intolerance to lactose, fructose, wheat and other foods. Irregular bowel movements may also result from malfunction of the pancreas, liver, gall bladder or other organs. A constant alternation of diarrhea and constipation should be considered a serious symptom and should be medically evaluated for early detection and treatment of inflammation or other changes in the digestive tract.
Diseases with this symptom
- Crohn’s disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Ulcerative colitis
- Intestinal polyps
- Proctitis
- Food intolerance
Diagnosis and course
Irregular bowel movements can be treated efficiently by the right examination methods and accompanying diagnoses. A detailed survey of living conditions, dietary habits, medical history and family-related diseases may show the first clues. Exclusion diets, blood tests as well as urine and stool samples are taken in addition. Imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT and MRI scans, and gastrointestinal endoscopy provide the final information. In these procedures, a thin tube is inserted orally or anally into the patient’s mouth and a small camera is attached to it. The smallest changes in the stomach and intestines can thus be detected and quickly treated. If it is, for example, small intestinal polyps, these can already be removed painlessly for the patient during the examination.
Complications
Irregular bowel movements are basically harmless, but as soon as constipation occurs, complications can arise. Constipation is often accompanied by gas and bloating. Bloating can lead to loss of appetite and subsequently to unwanted weight loss. Constant flatulence is often painful and also affects the quality of life, as the body is usually no longer able to expel the excess gases without being noticed. Instead, the intestinal gases are discharged through the anus in a noisy and often odorous manner. Although this is not usually a cause for concern from a medical point of view, it does lead to the social isolation of the person affected. Irregular stool is usually of a very firm consistency, which can lead to a number of complications. The heavy pressing during defecation causes blood to pool in the hemorrhoids, which become enlarged as a result. This often leads to burning and itching in the anal area, which must be treated with creams and ointments. In severe cases, surgical intervention on the hemorrhoids may also be necessary. Regular heavy pressing during bowel movements can also result in injuries to the anal area. The mucous membrane can tear and become inflamed. In addition, painful cracks and fissures can form on the anus.
When should you see a doctor?
Bowel movements come very regularly in some people and not in others.Depending on diet and other factors, this is normal and not a reason to see a doctor. When it comes to regularity of bowel movements, what matters are changes that deviate from the usual pattern. A patient who previously had regular bowel movements and now only needs to go to the bathroom every few days, has more frequent constipation or diarrhea, or notices other accompanying symptoms should see a doctor to determine the cause. It may be something harmless, such as foods that are poorly tolerated. In rare cases, irregular bowel movements can also indicate physical illnesses, which are thus detected. In these cases, it usually occurs with accompanying symptoms, but only a doctor can determine a cause. It is noticeable when bowel movements become irregular and less frequent than usual. This can also have various causes and should be clarified by a doctor if the condition persists for a longer period of time and is possibly accompanied by other symptoms. At best, the doctor will determine that the diet is not right and should be changed so that bowel movements can return to normal. By visiting the doctor in time, a physical illness can also be detected in time and treated without major difficulties.
Treatment and therapy
Irregular bowel movements are treated according to the particular cause. If the examinations show that psychological factors can be considered as triggers, an accompanying psychotherapeutic treatment or a change in life circumstances is indicated. Irregular bowel movements caused by the consumption of certain foods can be treated by changing eating habits accordingly. If, on the other hand, the cause of irregular bowel movements is physical changes, treatment with medication or even surgery is unavoidable. In addition to a detailed medical history, differential diagnostic blood, urine and fecal examinations, gastroscopy and colonoscopy are also important diagnostic examination methods. Using small cameras attached to thin tubes, the digestive tract can be examined in detail. The examination is usually painless and can be performed under local anesthesia if desired. A longer stay in the hospital is not necessary, as the examination takes less than an hour on average and is performed in many doctors’ offices on site. Irregular bowel movements can be treated – depending on the cause – by administering digestion-optimizing or anti-inflammatory drugs that support the digestive organs. Strict avoidance of foods that may be causative factors can also promote regularity of bowel movements. If the tissue has already been permanently damaged by inflammation or other harmful processes, surgical intervention may be necessary. Depending on the extent, this can also be performed on an outpatient basis and is then usually painless and complication-free for the patient.
Outlook and prognosis
If differential diagnosis has not revealed any troubling causes for irregular bowel movements, the affected person is challenged. Obviously, the absence of regular bowel movements has disturbed him. After all, the affected person now knows whether it is diet-related or age-related constipation or the consequences of an adhesion stomach. The prognosis for this condition is good. Intestinal peristalsis can be stimulated by various measures. A diet rich in fiber, a sufficiently large intake of drinking water and more exercise are helpful. In addition, dried prunes can be eaten and abdominal massages can be performed. The short-term use of laxatives should be discussed with the attending physician. In general, a habituation effect is to be assumed with such means. That is why natural measures make more sense in the long term. Incidentally, the removal of stool does not have to follow a fixed schedule. It is desirable to pass stool once a day, but passing stool every two days is also fine. If the stool passes less frequently than every two days, an examination is advisable. As a result, mental problems with toileting may also be diagnosed. For example, some people are reluctant to relieve themselves in unfamiliar toilets. This may be due to lack of hygiene or in other causes. It is important that such mental-emotional blockages are removed. The organism must be given free rein to dispose of waste.
Prevention
Irregular bowel movements can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle and conscious eating habits. Too much consumption of meat, excessive consumption of sugar, stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine and alcohol, little fluid and lack of exercise are easily remedied circumstances. Genetic risk factors can be curbed as well. Irregular bowel movements that have already developed due to organ damage should be carefully medically monitored and treated. In any case, irregular bowel movements should always be regarded as an alarm signal to take a critical look at one’s own life circumstances.
What you can do yourself
Irregular bowel movements can be a major burden in everyday life. But there are some interventions that can help with this problem. Digestion can be significantly influenced by diet. To ensure optimal gastrointestinal activity, it is important to eat a varied diet. In addition, regular meals should be taken throughout the day. Too long periods of fasting or too frequent eating disrupts the activity of the intestines in the long run. To prevent or eliminate irregular bowel movements, it is advisable to limit the consumption of processed products and sugar. In addition, meat should not be consumed every day of the week. If possible, toxins such as nicotine and alcohol should be consumed as little as possible. High-fiber diets can help with constipation. Foods high in fiber include legumes such as lentils and chickpeas. Fruits and vegetables should be eaten several times a day. These not only provide essential minerals and vitamins but also boost digestion. Irregular bowel movements can also be the result of physical inactivity. To keep the body fit and support its function, it is therefore recommended to exercise regularly. Endurance sports such as swimming, jogging or cycling are particularly suitable. But short walks at a slower pace also stimulate intestinal peristalsis and thus stool production.
