5 changes in bowel habits that can signal something serious

A consistent alteration in bowel movement (Diarrhea or Constipation) frequency should raise concerns for you. While diarrhea includes passing more frequent watery stools than normal, constipation refers to having stools less than three times weekly, and also poses difficulty in passing stool.
Diarrhea develops through infections alongside food intolerances , and it occurs as a symptom of IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) and IBD ( Inflammatory Bowel Disease). Constipation develops because of dietary factors, alongside dehydration and intestinal blockages. A sign of trouble is when (sudden) diarrhea persists beyond one day, (without stomach infection), and constipation continues past three days, especially when you experience pain or notice blood in your stool.

Stool containing blood or mucus, represents a medical emergency. A person can notice blood in their stool either as bright red streaks, or dark tarry clumps which can signify digestive tract bleeding. The digestive tract bleeds due to several causes, including hemorrhoids and infections, and serious conditions such as bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
Mucus in stool which appears with blood, indicates bowel inflammation or infection. You should get immediate medical evaluation if you find blood or mucus in your stool.

Stool changes (type, shape, color etc) often reveal health issues to medical professionals. For example:
Upper digestive tract bleeding produces black or tarry stools as a result.
The flow of bile creates two possible stool colours which are clay-like and pale.
Stools which remain pencil-thin for an extended period, could indicate a bowel obstruction due to growths or cancer.

Some individuals are not always able to clear their bowels at one go, and experience a quick need to use the bathroom again. The feeling of bowel incompleteness or urgency, often indicates bowel inflammation or irritation, which can stem from IBS or IBD or even bowel cancer.
A doctor should evaluate the feeling when it persists, or becomes new, or when you experience additional symptoms of pain or bleeding.

The combination of bowel habit changes with abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss or fatigue, requires immediate medical evaluation. These bowel changes indicate the presence of serious, underlying medical conditions.
People with bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel diseases, experience abdominal cramps combined with weight loss and fatigue, together with bowel habit changes. If you experience these signs alongside, then immediately seek medical help.