Stool Abnormality
The stool is a normal part of the process of digestion. They essentially consist of the body’s waste and may include undigested food particles, salts, bacteria, and other known substances. They can also vary in odor, amount, texture, and color. While their differences may not necessarily be a cause for concern and will generally get resolved on their own, there are times when these changes would indicate more severe conditions. Typically, feces are strong-smelling, dark brown, easy to pass, firm or soft in texture, and passed twice or once a day.
However, those who defecate too frequently or infrequently experience excessive strain or pain when passing and may have some digestive problems. If the stool has blood and is greasy, watery, or fatty, it’s best to consult a doctor. Stool abnormalities can be caused by many things, such as stress, dehydration, insufficient fiber, food allergies, and intolerances. Medical conditions can also be culprits, like gallstones, cancer, inflammatory bowel disorder, Parkinson’s disease, or IBS.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment when there’s an underlying condition behind the abnormality of the stool. Instead, it’s all about addressing the disease causing the symptom to alleviate any irregularities in the stool and normalize it.
