BY Faozat Aragbaiye

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Frequent bowel movements is a condition in which a person defecates (eliminates waste from the bowel) more often than usual. There is no “normal” number of bowel movements. Many healthcare providers agree that healthy bowel movement frequency can range from three times a day to three times a week. However, the ‘normal’ pattern may be different from these numbers. To say that a person’s bowel movements have become more frequent is based on an increase in that person’s usual pattern, not on a standard definition that applies to everyone.
The two main bowel movement conditions are constipation (fewer than three bowel movements per week) and diarrhea (more than three movements of loose stools per day).
.●Causes
Research shows that a wide variety of factors can cause frequent bowel movements:
Infections of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract: Infections, which may be due to viruses, bacteria, or parasites, can frequently cause short-term bowel problems. One study found that many children with frequent nondiarrheal bowel movements have a non-polio enterovirus (NPEV).
Food allergies: These cause the immune system to overreact to certain foods, mistakenly treating them as pathogens. About 3–4% of adults in Westernized countries have food allergies, which can be serious if they affect a person’s ability to breathe.
Caffeine: Due to the laxative effect of caffeine, the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders say that more than two or three cups of coffee or tea a day can cause diarrhea.
Celiac disease: This disease affects about 1 in every 100 people worldwide. People with celiac disease experience a full immune system response when they eat wheat, barley, or rye. This response can affect a person’s bowel movements and damage their small intestine.
Lactose intolerance: This condition affects up to 70% of the world’s population. People with this condition cannot consume dairy products without having intestinal problems.
Exercise: Exercise is healthful overall, but some individuals, such as long-distance runners, may notice powerful urges to move their bowels when working out. Some may even experience diarrhea. Experts suggest that this effect is due to reduced blood flow to the colon.
Gall bladder problems: Conditions such as Habba syndrome indicate a link between poor gall bladder function and frequent bowel movements.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): The most common formTrusted Source of functional diarrhea, IBS can also cause constipation. Some people with IBS may experience both symptoms.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s diseaseTrusted Source are two forms of this immune system disorder, which causes chronic inflammation of the GI tract and can lead to long-term damage.
Medications or drug abuse: Many medications can cause digestive problems, including aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, and blood pressure medications.
Cancer: Changes in bowel habits can be a sign of colon cancer, particularly if they occur along with other symptoms, such as anemia, unintentional weight loss, fatigue, blood in the stool, and bleeding from the anus.
Symptoms
¤Frequent bowel movements may accompany other symptoms affecting the digestive tract including:
Abdominal pain or cramping
Abdominal swelling, distension or bloating
Abnormally foul-smelling stools
Bloody stool (blood may be red, black, or tarry in texture).
Changes in stool color or consistency
Diarrhea
Fecal incontinence (inability to control stools)
Gas
Nausea with or without vomiting
Painful bowel movements
Urgent need to pass stool
¤Other symptoms that may occur along with frequent bowel movements.
Frequent bowel movements may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
Body aches
Dehydration
Fever
General ill feeling
Hives
Weight loss
Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition.
In some cases, frequent bowel movements may be a symptom of a life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting.
Bloody stool (the blood may be red, black, or tarry in texture).
Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness.
Change in mental status or sudden behavior change, such as confusion, delirium, lethargy, hallucinations and delusions.
High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
Not producing any urine, or an infant who does not produce the usual amount of wet diapers.
Pus in the stool
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
Severe rectal or abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or rectal bleeding
●Diagnosis
These questions are usually asked to guide the medical practitioner in the diagnosis of frequent bowel movements:
When first notice an increase in the frequency of your bowel movements?
Color or consistency of your stool changed?
Is there any blood, mucus, oil or pus in the stool?
Recent ingestion or drinking anything unusual ?
●Treatments
Frequent bowel movements that are not diarrhea often respond well to self-care, such as using over-the-counter (OTC) medications for symptom relief.
Treatment recommendations for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a common cause of frequent bowel movements, include:
adjusting the diet to support healthy digestion
engaging in regular physical activity
taking steps to manage stress, such as practicing mindfulness or yoga
treating symptoms of constipation, diarrhea, or stomach pain with OTC or prescription medications, such as loperamide, laxatives, or antispasmodics.
●Complications
Because frequent bowel movements can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Anemia (low red blood cell count)
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance due to long-term diarrhea
Intestinal obstruction and rupture of the intestinal wall.
Poor nutrition due to vomiting, diarrhea, or a decreased desire to eat.
Spread of cancer spread of infection.
Surgery to remove parts of the digestive tract due to obstruction, rupture, serious infection, or malignant condition.
●Prevention
In many cases, frequent bowel movements can be prevented.
Maintaining a healthy diet high in fiber and water and low in processed foods and sugars.
Limit intake of coffee or other sources of caffeine,
Be mindful of the diet if there is food allergies or intolerance.
Keep a food journal to help track the diet and the reactions to new foods.