There isn’t one universal “normal” when it comes to bowel movements – everyone has their own pattern. Some people go once or more every day, while others are comfortable going every few days. What matters is what’s normal for you.

An altered bowel habit means any lasting change from your usual pattern. This may be:

• Constipation: stools are harder, less frequent and more difficult to pass.
• Diarrhoea: stools are looser or watery and you may feel an urgent, more frequent need to go.

A short-term change linked to diet, a stomach bug, or mild food poisoning usually settles quickly. But if symptoms are prolonged, recurrent, or unexplained, they should be investigated.

Constipation is a very common issue and, while it can feel uncomfortable, it usually improves with some simple steps. Typical symptoms include:

• Less frequent trips to the toilet often with straining.
• Dry, hard stools that may be larger or smaller than usual.
• A sense of incomplete emptying as though you haven’t quite finished.
• Feeling bloated, sluggish, or nauseous.
• Stomach aches, loss of appetite, or excess wind.

Almost everyone will experience diarrhoea at some point, often linked to a stomach bug or mild food poisoning. It usually settles on its own, but symptoms can include:

• Frequent and sometimes urgent trips to the toilet.
• Loose or watery stools, typically lasting 2–4 days in adults and up to a week in children.
• Spots of bright red blood on toilet paper are common with frequent bowel movements, but blood mixed with the stool may suggest infection or inflammation and always needs investigation.

Most short-term bowel changes are harmless, but it’s important to know when to check in with your doctor. Seek advice if you notice:

• Constipation that doesn’t improve with fluids, a high-fibre diet, or occasional laxatives. If symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes, it’s worth being reviewed.
• Diarrhoea that lasts longer than 48 hours, is severe, or is accompanied by vomiting and signs of dehydration, such as dizziness or dry mouth.
• Alternating constipation and diarrhoea, which can sometimes point to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Any blood in the stool with a change in bowel habit – this should always be investigated.

While most changes in bowel habit are not serious, a clear diagnosis brings reassurance to some and prompt treatment for others. At The Physicians’ Clinic, our gastroenterology and hepatology specialists are highly experienced in guiding patients through these concerns. Depending on your symptoms, investigations may include:

• Blood and stool tests to look for infection, inflammation, or nutritional issues.
• Imaging scans to provide a clear picture of the digestive system.
• Colonoscopy – a safe and very accurate way to examine the lower bowel and rule out more serious conditions.