Could bowel changes cause forceful stools later in the day?

Question

Hello doctor,

For the past seven days, I feel that there is a change in my bowel habits. According to the Bristol chart, I think my stool structure may be a type 3 to 5. I pass my stool quite comfortably every morning. But, after this, when I pass stools during the day, I have to use some force. I do not have any lower or upper abdominal pain or cramps.

I do not see any blood in my stool with the naked eye. I do not have any lump or pain around my anal area. I do pass my stools once in the morning every day. But, after lunch or in the evening, I have to put some pressure. I do not have any painful symptoms.

Please tell me if it is normal.

Please help.

Thank you

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The symptoms you have raised do not seem abnormal.

Stool frequency can normally vary from three times a day to thrice a week. A good defecation in the morning is definitely a healthy sign. Any passage of stool during the rest of the day depends only on the stimulus as well as the remnant volume of stools, which cannot be always similar to that of the morning. If any new symptoms pop up, you may require an evaluation.

My advice in this regard would be:

Never strain at stools.
Be well hydrated the whole day. Consume two to three liters of water daily.
Consume a diet rich in fibers such as oats, apples, dal (lentils), beans, and other vegetables.
Have regular physical activities.
Remain stress-free.

Be healthy and enjoy life.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a broad term. It is better not to get messed up with that.

Your current symptoms do not seem like IBS. You have normal stools too.

Nothing to worry.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 3

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You seem so anxious with some preoccupied ideas regarding the possibility of some underlying bowel disease. Do not worry at all. You are absolutely alright from all the details and reports that were given.

Stool for occult blood test looks for the presence of microscopic blood in stools that can come in case of bowel-related diseases. Since you have a negative test, your primary survey for an underlying intestinal disease is normal. You never had an indication for this test too. And, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy are invasive tests done only if we have some clinical suspicion or supporting investigations, both of which are absent in your case.

Do follow the advice I have given, with regards to your bowel habits. Do not worry.

Hope I have cleared your queries satisfactorily.

Your feedback is well awaited. Please feel free to follow up as needed.

Thank you.

For further queries consult a general surgeon online.

Answer 4

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Do not worry. I can understand your feelings.

You are right. You do not have any major gastrointestinal disease. Your symptoms can be well controlled following the advice that was given earlier. Medications, as per your symptoms, is not necessary at all.

Just keep your body and mind free of these thoughts, and lead a stress and anxiety-free life.

Hope you are satisfied with the consultation.

Please feel free to follow up as needed.

Thank you.