Dealing with bowel issues can be, well, pretty frustrating. It’s often difficult to determine what’s considered normal when it comes to stools. They can vary widely in shape and consistency, influenced by diet and other life factors.
“Bowel movements differ from person to person based on their diet, physical activity, hydration levels, and medications,” noted M. Nuri Kalkay, a retired gastroenterologist and health blogger.
Everyone has their own sense of how often they typically go and what their stools usually look like. But if you notice something unusual, it might be time to see a doctor. We spoke with some specialists about bowel habits that may be concerning.
Black and/or tarry stools
According to Jeffery M. Nelson, the surgical director at the Center for Inflammatory Bowel and Colorectal Diseases, if your stool appears black—not just a very dark brown—it’s a red flag. This could indicate bleeding from an upper gastrointestinal source, such as the esophagus or stomach.
Of course, there are exceptions. For instance, iron supplements might cause your stools to appear dark green, which can resemble black. Similarly, medications like Pepto Bismol can alter stool color. If you’re in doubt, consulting a physician is wise.
Bright red blood in your stools
Finding bright red blood in your stool, whether on toilet paper or within the stool itself, might suggest a bleeding source near the anal canal or lower rectum. “Conditions such as internal hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal polyps, or even rectal cancer could cause this,” cautioned Nelson. It’s definitely a sign to consult a doctor.
Maroon-colored stools
Stools that are maroon may be more liquid and have a particularly unpleasant odor. This could indicate bleeding at the end of the small bowel or in the colon. According to Nelson, conditions like diverticulosis or specific vascular malformations can lead to this and should prompt a trip to the emergency room.
Pale, oily, and foul-smelling stools
This type of stool, known as steatorrhea, consists of excess fat and often occurs with malabsorption issues, pancreatic insufficiency, or biliary disease. Dr. Chris Carrubba from Jacksonville explained that steatorrhea suggests difficulties in absorbing fat, which can lead to deficiencies in essential fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
Stools that differ from your usual
Your body tends to have its own rhythm. If you usually produce smooth, sausage-shaped stools but notice a sudden change in size or consistency, it’s worth discussing with your doctor. Karen Soika, a general surgeon, pointed out that pencil-thin stools can indicate conditions like Crohn’s disease or infections, while watery stools may suggest irritable bowel syndrome or other inflammatory bowel diseases.
Watery diarrhea after a camping trip
If you experience watery diarrhea after camping, it could be due to giardia, a protozoan commonly found in freshwater. Carrubba stressed the importance of boiling and sanitizing water from natural sources. This infection, known as giardiasis, can lead to significant discomfort, including abdominal pain. Treatment is available through antimicrobials, but prevention is crucial. This organism could also be consumed through contaminated fruits or vegetables or from poor hygiene following contact with contaminated materials.
Mucus in the stool
Mucus in your stool often signals inflammation in the intestines, according to gastroenterologist Peyton Berookim. This can arise from conditions like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or even bacterial infections. Notably, mucus mixed with blood or abdominal pain should not be overlooked and warrants medical attention.
Hard or infrequent stools
This typically indicates constipation, often stemming from insufficient fiber and water in one’s diet. However, medications and intestinal blockages can also be culprits, and in rare cases, colon cancer might be involved. Jack Braha, a gastroenterologist, suggests starting treatment by increasing fiber and water consumption, with an aim of at least 25 grams of fiber daily. For persisting issues, especially in individuals over 50, seeing a specialist becomes critical to rule out serious conditions like obstructions or cancers.
Loose, watery, or frequent stools
Diarrhea can be quite common after consuming spoiled food or due to infections, typically resolving within a week. However, it should be concerning if diarrhea lasts longer than two weeks or occurs alongside bleeding, weight loss, or nighttime symptoms. When diarrhea isn’t linked to an infection, other common causes such as lactose intolerance or inflammatory bowel disease need to be investigated. Gastroenterologists might confirm the cause through blood and stool tests or a colonoscopy.
If you have any concerns about your bowel movements, it’s generally best to reach out to your doctor. Sometimes, your body has important signals to share.
