Alternating Constipation and Diarrhoea: What Can Cause It? Alternating bowel habits may occur with irritable bowel syndrome, but infections, medicines and other digestive disorders are also possible. Key symptoms or background Duration, blood in stools, diarrhoea waking you at night…
Alternating Constipation and Diarrhoea: What Can Cause It?
Alternating bowel habits may occur with irritable bowel syndrome, but infections, medicines and other digestive disorders are also possible.
Key symptoms or background
Duration, blood in stools, diarrhoea waking you at night and weight loss are important clues. IBS cannot be diagnosed from a web search alone.
What can you do?
Keep a food and symptom diary and avoid unnecessarily restrictive diets. Blood in stool, fever, dehydration or severe pain needs assessment.
Before talking to a specialist
Write down when symptoms began, possible triggers, medicines and earlier results. Online information cannot replace a physical examination in every situation.
Frequently asked question
Can one symptom or result establish a diagnosis?
No. Clinical history, examination and, when needed, additional tests must be considered together.
