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FAQs - Bowel problems 

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Q: Where in the body is the bowel?
A: The bowel is the last section of the digestive system and is divided into the small intestines and the large intestines (the colon, rectum and anus).

Q: What does the bowel do?
A: The main function of the small intestine is to absorb nutrients from food digested in the stomach. The main function of the large intestine is to absorb water and to form faeces from any waste products that can’t be used by the body. Faeces are discharged from the body via the rectum and anus.

Q: What does the term ‘bowel problem’ mean?
A: Although the bowel is, strictly speaking, both the small and the large intestine, it is commonly used to describe the large intestines, which consist of the colon, the rectum and the anus. Therefore, a ‘bowel problem’ is any problem affecting these parts of the digestive tract.

Q: What are the symptoms of bowel problems?
A: Symptoms of bowel problems are often very non-specific and the same symptoms can be caused by a number of different conditions – some relatively minor and some potentially life threatening. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, constipation and diarrhoea, a change in bowel habits, bleeding and unexplained weight loss.

Q: How are bowel problems treated?
A: How bowel problems are treated depends on the cause of the symptoms, and different treatments are used for different underlying conditions. However, general measures can also be used to reduce the likelihood of symptoms and improve the health of the bowel. These include eating a well balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, stopping smoking and taking as much gentle exercise as possible.

Q: What are the most common serious bowel problems?
A: The most common serious bowel problems are colon and rectal cancer , inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis. Bowel problems may also result from neurogenic bowel(LINK), which is when the colon can’t function properly due to a lack of nervous control. Neurogenic bowel is often caused by spinal cord injuries, spina bifida or multiple sclerosis.

Q: What is an ostomy?
A: An ostomy is an operation required by people who can’t discharge waste from the body in the usual way. It is usually needed if a section of the bowl is removed due to serious bowel conditions. The operation itself involves making a hole in the abdomen and redirecting the intestines through the hole so that faeces can be collected in a bag outside the body. Read more about ostomy surgery and living with an ostomy.

Q: What is faecal incontinence?
A: Faecal incontinence is the medical term used to describe the loss of control over defecation. The condition can range from minor leakage and soiling of underclothes to complete and uncontrolled evacuation of the rectum.

Q: What is constipation?
A: According to the literature, constipation requires two or more of the following symptoms to be present for at least 12 weeks during the preceding 12 months:
  • straining at defecation on at least 25 per cent of occasions
  • lumpy/hard stools on at least 25 per cent of occasions
  • a feeling of incomplete evacuation on at least 25 per cent of occasions
  • three or fewer bowel movements a week

Q: How can I avoid constipation?
A: There are a number of things that can help:
  • Eat a diet high in fibre. Fibre helps provide bulk and also accelerates the movement of food through the digestive tract. (Please consult your doctor/nurse if your constipation is caused by a neurogenic bowel disorder as fibre may increase the problem.)
  • Exercise. Being more active will increase general health and should make the bowels work more effectively.
  • Drink plenty of water (eight glasses per day is ideal). Constipation occurs when too much moisture is reabsorbed from faeces.
  • Cut down on caffeine and alcohol, both of which are diuretics and can dehydrate you.

If you’re still constipated after trying this general health advice, try natural means to combat constipation: prunes or herbal teas are an option.

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