Several other symptoms and problems can be classified under Bowel
dysfunction
- Constipation: When the patient is unable to defecate every day without
straining, or using strong laxatives - Fecal incontinence: Inability to control a bowel movement resulting in
involuntary leakage of fecal material - Severe abdominal bloating: A feeling of constant fullness and pain in the
abdomen along with gas. - Constipation alternating with diarrhea: Pt has pebble type of stool,
followed by pencils, loose, splotchy stools , all in the course of the day and
not necessarily in the same order. - Excessive usage of toilet paper: Patient keeps getting fecal staining no
matter how much he or she keep wiping their rectum. - Rectal pain or itching: Pt states that their rectal area is dry and itchy.
- Rectal Fissures: Pt has pain due to deep tears in the anal sphincter.