It’s normal to become concerned if the color, size, or consistency of your stool changes.
This is particularly true if the change is sudden or dramatic.
The cause may be simple and otherwise harmless, or it may be a sign of something serious.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
That said, speak to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about the appearance of your stool.
Normal and Abnormal Colors
A “normal” stool can be a variety of different colors.
With that said, the most common colors range from dark brown to light brown.
If you have a fever, abdominal pain, or yellowing of the skin, seek emergency medical treatment.
IBS and Stool Changes
By definition, irritable bowel syndrome involves a change in stool appearance.
IBS stools can be:
Thetype of IBSyou have can also affect the color of your stool.
This is because poop color often reflects how fast the stool passes through the intestines.
That way, you could be confident that you are monitoring your health while avoiding unnecessary stress and anxiety.
Minor changes may be due to drinking too much or too little fluid that day.
Stools can also change based on your diet, physical activity, temperature, and other factors.
And anxiety can lead to poor gut function and a potential worsening of IBS symptoms.
These may be a sign of a serious medical condition that requires attention.
Checking your stools once weekly is usually enough.
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