A change in bowel habit refers to any deviation from your normal stool routine. This can mean going more or less often, straining to pass stool, or noticing differences in stool appearance. While it's a symptom rather than a diagnosis, it may signal an underlying gastrointestinal issue that warrants evaluation.
Changes in bowel habits can range from mild and brief to persistent and concerning. Typical signs include:
Multiple factors can disrupt your usual bowel pattern, including:
Don't let changes in your bowel habits hold you back. At GastroDoxs in Cypress, our board-certified gastroenterologists offer personalized evaluations, advanced diagnostics, and targeted treatments to get you back to feeling your best. Book your appointment today and partner with our digestive health specialists for lasting comfort and confidence.
We've successfully treated more than 3.2K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
A change in bowel habits is any lasting difference from your normal routine-such as going more or less often, having harder or looser stools, or feeling more urgency or discomfort.
Such changes can stem from dietary shifts, stress, infections (bacterial or viral), functional disorders like IBS, inflammatory conditions like IBD, or more serious issues such as colon polyps or cancer.
If your altered bowel habits persist for more than two weeks, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist.
Seek prompt care if you notice blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, severe or ongoing abdominal pain, or persistent diarrhea or constipation.
Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend blood work, stool analysis, imaging studies, or a colonoscopy to identify the underlying cause.
Improving fiber intake, hydration, and overall nutrition often helps, but some conditions require medication, supplements, or further medical evaluation.
Yes-particularly if constipation is new, more severe than before, or accompanied by other symptoms like bloating or discomfort.
Absolutely. High stress or anxiety can disrupt normal gut function and lead to diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal discomfort.
Bowel patterns can shift as you get older, but any painful or lasting changes should be evaluated by a specialist.
Prepare a list of current symptoms, medications (including over-the-counter and supplements), dietary habits, and any relevant family health history to help us assess your condition quickly.
