Change in Bowel Habits

A 'change in bowel habits' is a broad symptom describing any persistent deviation from an individual’s normal pattern of defecation. This can include alterations in frequency (constipation or diarrhea), form (hard, loose, or narrow stools), or the effort of evacuation (straining, urgency, incomplete emptying). While often benign and related to diet or functional disorders like IBS, a persistent change can be the presenting symptom of serious organic diseases, most importantly colorectal cancer. Therefore, any unexplained and lasting change in bowel habits warrants a thorough medical evaluation, typically including a colonoscopy, to determine the underlying cause.