Changes in Bowel Movements

People have different bowel habits. Even though sudden changes are frequently harmless, they might be a sign of an underlying medical disease, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As the gut absorbs water, slow-moving stool in the intestine often becomes dehydrated as a result. This then results in hard stool, which can make constipation symptoms worsen. Contrastly, the intestines move the stool quickly, and there is little time for water to be absorbed, which leads to loose stools that are a sign of diarrhea.

Mucus buildup in the stool is another symptom of IBS, which is unusual compared to other constipation causes. You should see your doctor if you notice any blood in your stool since it might be a sign of another, possibly dangerous medical issue. Though blood in the stool may initially seem red, it sometimes takes on a very dark or even black with a tarry consistency.