6 changes to the toilet habit should always seek medical attention

No one likes to talk about intestinal movements. However, ignoring the signs of your body trying to send may indicate that diagnosis really needs to be heard. Just ask the Towie Star Chloe Meadows.

Reality television regularly recently shared dr. The Podcast of Oscar Duke manners, which she spent a decade, quietly struggled with bleeding, stomach ache and severe fatigue until finally diagnosed: ulcerative colitis, chronic condition causing inflammation and ulcer.

She has been living with and turned on for many years, assuming that they have gone. Only 26, when she became obviously bad, a blood test encouraged her to A&E and eventually the diagnosis.

The Meadows experience is an important reminder that when your toilet habits change and keep to change – it’s time to talk to your general practitioner.

Below we break up the six toilet -related red flags that experts say you should never ignore. And no, it’s not just your intestinal movements; Your tiny, urgency level, and even smells like all things.

1. The main or long -term change in your stool

Whether you are suddenly constipated, you need persistent diarrhea or notice that your stools look different (narrower, pale or greasy), it is worth investigating changes that last for more than a few weeks.

NHS advises that constant changes in bowel habits can be associated with anything from diet and stress to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

In some cases, persistent symptoms may be a sign of bowel cancer, so do not despair.

When to see your GP: If a normal routine has changed for more than two or three weeks, especially if it is paired with stomach pain, fatigue or weight loss.

2. Blood in your stool

It can be bright red or dark and burning; Anyway, this is not something you need to ignore.

Bright red blood can come from pole or small tears, but darker blood may mean that the digestive system bleeds above.

When to see your GP: If you see your pooly blood. You may be offered a stool test or in some cases forwarding to further inspections.

3. Your urine changes

If someone feels wrong and suddenly starts to get, burn or feel uncomfortable, you may think it is a urinary tract infection (UTI). And often it’s true. But it can also be a sign of kidney stones or bladder problems.

Blood in your urine should also be taken seriously, even if it only happens once.

When to see your GP: If urinating pain urinates, see blood or feel the urge to go much more often than usual.

Small changes such as frequency, pain and even blood are things to look out for. (Getty images)

4. Too much – or not enough

It is necessary to feel more often than usual (especially at night), to feel like you can’t wait, or a little leakage when cough, sneezing or laughter can signal hyperactive bladder, prostate problems (for men) or pelvic floor dysfunction.

These symptoms may feel shameful, but they are usually common and control properly.

When to see your GP: If the bladder leakage or urgency interferes with your daily life or notice a sudden change of how often you need to go.

5. The mucus of your poo

A little mucus in your stool is not always worried, but frequent slender stools may be a sign of infection or inflammation in your intestine.

When to see your GP: If the mucus occurs regularly, especially if they come with bloating, pain or intestinal movement.

6. Pain or tension while walking

If you get to the toilet to become awkward, painful or feel like hard work, then your body, wavy red flag.

Regular tension can cause or worsen hemorrhoids, but this may also mean intestinal problems or even neurological problems that affect the bottom of your pelvis.

When to see your GP: If you often stretch, you will feel incompletely emptying your intestine or notice pain during or after intestinal movement.

What is considered “normal”?

If you are not sure, remember that everyone has their own basis what is “normal”. However, there are some simple signs to be viewed as a guide.

According to the bladder and intestinal health service, healthy intestinal movements 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 bloated, tired, tensioned or noticed by blood or mucus, it’s time to talk to your family doctor. Changes can be harmless, but they are always worth checking.

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