Bowel Movement Problems

Most of us do not want to think or talk about bowel movements. This is the main reason that we do not have sufficient knowledge about this very essential part of digestion. Trouble occurs when you suffer from any sort of bowel movement problems and do not have any clue to what it may be associated with. Don't worry, it is never too late for anything. Here in this article, you would come to know about major bowel movement problems, with a precise description of each.

Various Problems with Bowel Movement

Constipation: In medical terms, constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. Constipation involves passing hard and dry stools, difficulty in passing stools or straining, and a feeling of incomplete emptying even after the bowel movement. Less than one bowel movement per week is considered to be a severe case of constipation. Many people complain of diarrhea alternatively with constipation. This pattern indicates irritable bowel syndrome. In extreme cases of constipation, fecal impaction occurs. It is the condition in which stool hardens in the rectum and prevents the passage of any stool. Constipation can be of two types, acute and chronic. Acute constipation requires urgent medical assessment as some serious illness may be the underlying cause. An immediate assessment becomes even more necessary, if constipation includes symptoms such as bleeding of the rectum, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain or cramps and weight loss without any known cause.

Colostomy: The surgical procedure that involves connecting a part of the colon onto the anterior wall of the abdomen is called colostomy. This is done in case of severe damage to the bowel. The purpose of this surgery is to form an opening, called stoma, at the end of the large intestine. After colostomy, feces leave the patient's body through the abdomen. The colostomy can be either temporary or permanent, depending upon the reasons behind this surgery. The stoma can be permanent in case of bowel cancer or serious injury. It is temporary in case of bowel infection, stab or wounds or inflammation. Colostomy is required in diseases such as Crohn's disease, Bowel cancer, Blocked bowel, Diverticulitis, or a serious injury to the bowel. Read more on Diverticulitis Symptoms.

Fecal Incontinence: The loss of regular controls on the bowels is called fecal incontinence. Patients of fecal incontinence often suffer from involuntary excretion or leaking. Chronic constipation is the common cause of fecal incontinence, as it involves prolonged intestinal muscle stretching and weakening. Other major causes of fecal incontinence include injury to either or both the internal and external anal sphincters and damage to the nerves that control anal sphincters. Rectal surgery, radiation therapy or inflammatory bowel diseases can lead to stiffening of the rectal wall. The rectal wall becomes less elastic and cannot stretch to the extent which is required to hold the stool. Read more on Leaky Gut Syndrome.

Ileostomy: If rectum or colon is removed because of any medical reason, ileostomy is performed on the patient to make an opening, through which feces can leave the body. This surgery involves making an opening in the abdomen and attaching the bottom of the small intestine to the opening. The stool is excreted out through this opening. The diseases that may require ileostomy are Crohn's disease, ulcerative coilitis and familial adenomatous polyposis.

The common bowel movement problems in children are diarrhea and constipation. Pediatrician consultation and his recommended treatment is essential. At home, you should encourage your child to drink a lot of liquid and eat fiber-laden foods. Bowel movement problems in toddlers is sometimes difficult to find out because of the general irregularity. However, a keen observation is always required to judge the digestive health of a toddler. In case of diarrhea or presence of blood in stools, you should immediately consult a pediatrician for necessary intervention. If you have developed back pain with bowel movements, then constipation, exerting a lot of stress on the movement and diseased conditions such as disc herniation that involve neurologic damage, are the most probable causes. In case of this and all the above mentioned complications, a specialized medical attention and supervision is a must. See also

• Twisted Bowel: Symptoms and Causes of Twisted Bowel Syndrome
• Symptoms and Treatment of Bowel Cancer

Many people do not have a regular, daily bowel movement. They think that they are constipated or have some excretory system disorder. However, such conditions are considered as normal, as there is no medical reason in support of having bowel movements everyday. Having a bowel movement, both daily as well as once in two or three days are normal. Also, there is no scientific reason behind the common saying that, infrequent bowel movement leads to accumulation of toxins in the body. As per the general rule of thumb, regularly feeding on high fiber diet and consuming lots of water prevents the occurrence of bowel movement problems. Follow this rule and stay healthy!