Bowel motions (abnormal)

The discussion of an abnormal bowel motion is, perhaps, one of society's last remaining taboos. This should be borne in mind when asking a patient about their bowels - firstly there may be a reluctance or an embarrassment associated with the discussion. Secondly the patient may misuse terms such as diarrhoea - this may be described in a patient who is now passing stool once a day after previously going only every three days.