Common Bowel Symptoms
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is when your bowel movements become loose or watery. The definition of diarrhoea is passing loose or watery bowel movements 3 or more times in a day (or more frequently than usual).
Constipation
Constipation is characterised by infrequent passing of hard, lump-like stool with difficulty and strain, combined with bloating or abdominal pain.
Anal or Bowel Bleeding
Rectal bleeding means bleeding from your back passage (anus) when you go to the toilet and pass faeces. Rectal bleeding should always be consulted with a practitioner.
Rectal Prolapse
Rectal prolapse is a condition in which the rectum (the last part of the large intestine before it exits the anus) loses its normal attachments inside the body, allowing it to telescope out through the anus, thereby turning it “inside out”.
Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids are inflammation or swelling of veins in the anus and rectum caused by straining when moving bowels, prolonged time sitting on the toilet, obesity, or pregnancy. Symptoms include discomfort when sitting, rectal bleeding, piles, itchiness, pain around the anus, and protruding skin tags from anus.
Bowel Obstruction
A bowel obstruction is a gastrointestinal condition that blocks digested substances from moving through the small or large intestine. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and an inability to move bowels or pass wind.
Altered Bowel Habits
Bowel habits can vary from person to person. This includes how often you have a bowel movement, your control over when you have a bowel movement, and the bowel movement’s consistency and colour. Alterations in any aspect of these habits over the course of a day represent a change in bowel habits.
Difficulty with Bowel Evacuation
Difficulty in evacuation or emptying the rectum which may occur even with frequent visits to the toilet and even with passing soft motions
Bowel Incontinence
Poor bowel control results in leakage of faeces or uncontainable flatus from the anus as soon as the urge is felt to go. This can be debilitating as ‘accidents’ or staining of underwear can occur at irregular intervals.
Abdominal Bloating and Pain
Abdominal bloating occurs when the abdomen fills with air or gas. This may cause the area to appear larger or swollen. The abdomen may also feel hard or tight to the touch. It can cause discomfort and abdominal pain.
Anal Pain
Anal pain is typically described as burning and itching around the anus. This common symptom can have multiple causes and is often easily treated.
See our FAQ page for more information about Bowel Diagnostics & Therapy. For enquiries or bookings, please contact us on 1300 888 608 for a confidential chat, or book an appointment online.
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