What Causes Change In Bowel Habits And Change In Appearance Of Stool?

Posted on Sun, 13 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 13 Sep 2015 Answered on

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : In the last 6 mo. I have experienced a change in bowel habits. 1. I have become far more regular: every other day to sometimes daily. The most worrisome change is in the appearance of the stool: it is in little pellets that are firm without softness; meaning there is only a discoloration on the toilet tissue when I clean myself. I have not mentioned it to my doctor.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Colonoscopy

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome

I appreciate your concern

Based on your description, the primary concern is to rule out colorectal malignancy. Any change in bowel habit with respect to caliber or if there is additional blood with the stool or occult blood in stool requires further workup. DRE (Digital Rectal Exam) , Stool for occult blood and finally assessment for a colonoscopy would be required in consultation with your doctor.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar