No one likes to talk about bowel movements. But ignoring the signs your body tries to send you can mean making a diagnosis that you really need to hear. Just ask the Towie Chloe Meadows star.
Regular reality TV recently shared an Oscar Duke’s podcast that she had spent a decade silently, struggling with bleeding, stomach pain and exceptional fatigue, before she finally gets a diagnosis: ulcerative colitis, a chronic condition that causes inflammation and ulcers.
She lived with on-off symptoms for years if they accepted they had passed. Only at the age of 26, when she apparently did not get sick, a blood test brought her to A&E and finally, a diagnosis.
Meadows experience is an important reminder that when your toilet habits change – and stay changed – it’s time to talk to your doctor.
Below we break six red flags related to the toilet that experts say you should never ignore. And no, it’s not just about your bowel movements; Your levels, urgency and even smell of everything.
1. Basic or permanent change in your stool
Whether you are suddenly baked, dealing with constant diarrhea, or noticing that your stool looks different (smoother, smaller or greasy), changes that last longer than a few weeks are worth exploring.
NHS advises that constant changes in bowel habits can be associated with everything from diet and stress to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
In some cases, constant symptoms can be a sign of bowel cancer, so do not wipe them off.
When to see your GP: If your usual routine has changed for more than two to three weeks, especially if it is paired with stomach pain, fatigue or weight loss.
2. Blood in your chair
It can be bright red or dark and tare; Either way, this is not something to ignore.
Bright red blood can come from piles or small tears, but darker blood may mean that there is a higher bleeding in the digestive system.
When to see your GP: If you see blood in your Pu. You may be offered a stool test or in some cases fixed for additional checks.
3. Changes to your urine
If something feels bad and suddenly starts to sting, burn or feel uncomfortable, you may assume that this is an infection of the urinary tract (UTI). And often this is true. But this can also be a sign of kidney stones or bladder problems.
Your blood in your urine should also be taken seriously, even if it only happens once.
When to see your GP: If you have pain while urinating, see blood or feel the desire to go much more often than usual.
Small changes in frequency, pain and even blood are things you need to be careful about. (Getty Images)
4.
You need the crazy more often than usual (especially at night), the feeling that you cannot wait or leak a little when you cough, sneeze or laugh can signal an overactive bladder, prostate problems (in men) or pelvic floor dysfunction.
These symptoms may feel uncomfortable, but overall they are common and manageable with the right support.
When to see your GP: If the bladder leak or emergency interfere with your daily routine or if you notice a sudden change in how often you should go.
5. Mucus in your PU
A little mucus in your stool is not always anxiety, but frequent thin stools can be a sign of infection or inflammation in your bowel.
When to see your GP: If mucus occurs regularly, especially if it comes with bloating, pain or a change in bowel movements.
6. Pain or tension when you walk
If going to the toilet has become uncomfortable, painful, or feels like a hard work, it is your body to wave a red flag.
Regular tension can cause or impair hemorrhoids, but it can also signal bowel problems or even neurological problems affecting your pelvic floor.
When to see your GP: If you often strain yourself, feel that you do not completely send your intestines or notice pain during or after the bowel movement.
What is considered “normal”?
If you are not sure, remember that everyone has their own main line of what is “normal”. However, there are some simple signs that should be monitored as a guide.
According to the health service of the bladder and intestines, the health movements of the intestine should be soft, smooth and easy to pass; Ideally at least three times a week. You should also be able to urinate without pain or discomfort.
If you also notice that you are often blown, tired, tense or notice blood or mucus, it is time to talk to your GP. Changes may be harmless, but they are always worth checking.
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