Change of bowel habit

If your bowel habit alternates from constipation to diarrhoea it is possible that you have irritable bowel syndrome.

Diarrhoea that persists for more than 1 month is unlikley to be due to an infection. There are a number of potential causes in the large and small bowel such as inflammatory bowel disease or coeliac disease. There are also a number of medical conditions that can present like this such as an over active thyroid.

Constipation is common. If it has been present for many years then it is unlikely that there is a serious underlying cause. It can usually be managed with dietary modification or simple laxatives. If it has progressed or is of recent onset then further investigation is warranted.

Any recent change in bowel habit can be the only clue to bowel cancer.

There are a number of investigations that you require and you should contact us.