Bowel Habits & Constipation
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Table of Contents
Introduction

Bowel habits vary from person to person. They include the frequency of your bowel movement, the control that one has during a bowel movement, the consistency of stools as well as their colour. Changes observed in any one of these factors, such as diarrhea and constipation, would imply a change in bowel habits.
In most healthy individuals, a change in bowel habits is often caused by external factors such as a change in one’s diet or an increased fibre intake. However, while some bowel movements can represent temporary infections or a variation in food intake, others may indicate an underlying health issue that may present serious complications if left untreated and undiagnosed.
Constipation is a common bowel habit, and occurs when bowel movements become less frequent with stools that become difficult to pass. Usually, constipation occurs due to changes in diet, routine or even the inadequate of fibre and water.
Speak to your doctor if you notice stool changes in any of the following:
1. Colour
2. Consistency (degree of firmness)
Stools should be soft and pass easily. Hard, dry stools might be a sign of constipation. You seek medical attention if constipation lasts longer than two weeks. Also, if you have nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and have not been able to pass gas or stools, this could mean that there is an obstruction (blockage). You should see a colorectal surgeon or go to Accident & Emergency Department.
Diarrhoea is bowel movements that are loose and watery. Diarrhoea is a common condition and is usually not serious. You should see a doctor if:
- You have severe abdominal pain or discomfort with your diarrhoea
- Diarrhoea is accompanied by fever, chills, vomiting, or fainting.
- Severe diarrhoea lasts longer than two days.
- You are elderly, were recently hospitalized, pregnant, or immunocompromised
- You have diarrhoea that lasts for more than two weeks.
3. Frequency
The normal length of time between bowel movements ranges widely from person to person. Some people have bowel movements several times a day, others only once or twice a week.
Going longer than three days without having a bowel movement is too long. After three days, the stool becomes harder and more difficult to pass. Constipation then occurs as bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. If you have constipation for more than two weeks, you should see a doctor so that he or she can determine what the problem is and treat it.
Some of patients with constipation have a more serious underlying medical problem (such as low thyroid function, diabetes, or colon cancer). You should see a doctor if you have unexplained, sudden urges to have a bowel movement. This could be a sign of a mass in the rectum or inflammatory bowel disease. For a patient who has colon cancer, early detection and treatment might be lifesaving.
Often times, your doctor will recommend seeing a specialist such as a colorectal surgeon for a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for investigating the colon. It is both diagnostic and therapeutic and is usually done as a day surgery. It is a very common procedure and is recommended for people with symptoms especially if they are over 50 years old.
About Dr QM Leong
Colorectal & Hernia Surgeon in Singapore
Dr Leong is a general and colorectal surgeon in Singapore who graduated from the University of London in 2000. He obtained his membership to the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2003 and started working in Tan Tock Seng Hospital in 2003. He started his Advanced Specialist Training in 2005 and passed his fellowship exams in 2008. Dr Leong was awarded the prestigious MOH HMDP scholarship to train under Prof Kim Seon Hahn in Korea University for Laparoscopic and Robotic colorectal surgery in 2010.
Dr Leong is amongst a handful of hernia and colorectal surgeons in Singapore who practice Single Incision Laparoscopic surgery. This is a technical and complex procedure that is minimally invasive, speeds up recovery, and confers excellent cosmetic results. Dr Leong also routinely trains basic and advanced specialist trainees in laparoscopic surgery, and regularly proctors consultant surgeons in complex colorectal cases.
Beyond laparoscopic surgery, Dr Leong also performs a repertoire of minimally invasive General Surgery procedures. He is also an experienced endoscopist with more than 10000 procedures, performing diagnostic and therapeutic scopes for elective and emergency surgical conditions. He performs direct access colonoscopies and oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy for patients and will strive to perform the procedures on the same day if possible for patients’ convenience.

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