The size, shape and color of your stool can hold valuable clues to your well-being.
At your checkup, your doctor peers down your throat and inside your ears. But there’s one more place to check for signs of health problems: the bathroom. Here are some common intestinal issues and what they could mean.
More than three bouts of watery, loose feces in one day counts as diarrhea. Almost everyone has coped with this type of bowel movement at some point. Diarrhea is the second most common complaint among Americans, behind only respiratory infections.
Most often, viruses take the blame for diarrhea. Most bouts resolve on their own within a few days. While you wait, avoid dairy products and drink plenty of water and broth to prevent dehydration. See your doctor if your diarrhea sticks around for more than two days or is accompanied by severe pain; if you have a fever higher than 102 degrees; or if your diarrhea contains blood or pus. Those symptoms can indicate a Crohn’s disease, or a more serious infection that requires treatment.
Some people with these open sores in their stomachs feel pain, nausea, or a sense of fullness. But other times, ulcers go unnoticed until they begin bleeding. Eventually, you’ll see red or maroon blood in the toilet or produce black, sticky stool called melena.
See your doctor right away if you spot these signs, especially if you also feel light-headed or produce vomit that looks like coffee grounds. The most common causes of ulcers are an infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. You need treatment, such as antibiotics to stop the infection and other medicines to stop the bleeding and reduce acidity, which contributes to ulcers.
For an estimated 18 million Americans, some solid or liquid fecal matter passes accidentally. You might not even notice until you check your underwear—or you might be acutely aware that you didn’t reach the restroom in time.
Don’t be embarrassed to tell your doctor about your troubles. In all likelihood, they have other patients with the same type of problem. Often, fecal incontinence is caused by a treatable condition, such as muscle weakness or nerve damage. Medications, diet changes, and bowel training can often alleviate the issue.
In other cases, stool makes a statement by not appearing at all. Constipation occurs when you have fewer than normal bowel movements, or when you find them difficult or painful. Often, your stools will be small and hard when you do pass them.
Drinking more liquids can soften stool, making it easier to pass. Regular exercise—aim for some sort of movement every day—can also get your system working properly again. If constipation doesn’t resolve on its own or interferes with your life, see your doctor.
Situated behind your stomach, the pancreas produces hormones and enzymes your body needs to digest food properly. Normally, these compounds stay inactive until they reach your small intestines. But if your pancreas becomes inflamed, the enzymes inside it can activate early, damaging delicate tissues.
Greasy, oily stools serve as a symptom of this serious condition. Other signs include upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and diarrhea. These red flags warrant an emergency call—you may need hospitalization to calm the inflammation and relieve pain.