US Medical Term · symptoms
Change in Bowel Habits
Cambio en los hábitos intestinales
Also: Cambio en las deposiciones (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Change in Bowel Habits |
| Spanish (Español) | Cambio en los hábitos intestinales |
| Chinese (中文) | 排便習慣改變 |
| Korean (한국어) | 배변 습관의 변화 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Thay đổi thói quen đại tiện |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Pagbabago sa gawi ng pagtae |
| Portuguese (Português) | Mudança no hábito intestinal |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การเปลี่ยนแปลงพฤติกรรมการขับถ่าย |
| Japanese (日本語) | 排便習慣の変化 |
What it means
A change in bowel habits refers to any noticeable and persistent difference from your normal pattern of bowel movements. This can include a change in stool frequency (going more or less often), stool consistency (harder, looser, narrower), color, or the need to strain. It can also mean alternating between diarrhea and constipation. While temporary changes often relate to diet or illness, changes that persist for more than a few weeks should be evaluated, especially in adults over 45. Unexplained changes in bowel habits can be an early warning sign of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or other significant gastrointestinal conditions.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My bowel habits have completely changed in the past month — I used to go every day but now I go every three or four days.
Mis hábitos intestinales han cambiado completamente en el último mes — antes iba todos los días pero ahora voy cada tres o cuatro días.
My stools have become much narrower than they used to be.
Las heces se han vuelto mucho más delgadas de lo que solían ser.
I've been alternating between diarrhea and constipation for the past six weeks.
He estado alternando entre diarrea y estreñimiento durante las últimas seis semanas.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
R19 Other symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomenRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026