How Do You Identify Abnormal Bowel Movements?
Discuss persistent abnormal bowel movements with your doctor for insight into your overall health. Paying attention to your bowel movements is important when monitoring your health. Know what to look for in the color, consistency, shape and frequency of a bowel movement, so you can recognize when something is not right. Check the color of the bowel movements. Healthy stools come in a wide range of colors depending your diet. Stools should not be gray or pale in color. This may indicate a problem in the digestive tract. Stools should not be black or red. These colors may indicate bleeding. Talk with your doctor if your stool appears abnormal in color. Examine the stool’s consistency. Bowel movements should not be watery nor hard and dry. Healthy bowel movements are large, easy to pass, fluffy and tend to float. Hard stools may indicate that your diet lacks fiber. Watery stools may indicate a bacterial infection, virus or problem with digestive absorption. Speak with your doctor if you e
