Frequent bowel movements
DEFINITION
There’s not a generally accepted clinical definition for frequent bowel movements. Most people consider several bowel movements a day to at least be unusual, particularly if this pattern is a change from what’s normal.
However, if nothing else about your bowel movements is different — no loose, watery stools, abdominal cramping or bloody stool — the change is probably not a sign of any illness.
CAUSES
If you’re having bowel movements more often than usual, chances are you’ve made some change in your lifestyle. You may, for example, be:
- Eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which increases fiber intake
- Getting regular exercise or increasing your exercise
- Drinking more water
More-frequent bowel movements could also be related to a mild, self-limiting illness that will take care of itself. If there are no other signs or symptoms, you’re probably in good health.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
See your doctor if more-frequent bowel movements are also accompanied by any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Changes in the consistency, volume or appearance of your bowel movements, such as repeatedly passing narrow, ribbon-like stools or loose, watery stools
- Abdominal pain
- Blood, mucus or pus in your feces
Diseases and other conditions that may cause such signs and symptoms include:
- Celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease (a type of inflammatory bowel disease)
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Medication side effects
- Ulcerative colitis