Why Do Bubbles Appear When Having a Bowel Movement?

Generally, everyone has regular bowel movements, which is a healthy habit. However, some people may notice bubbles in their stools during defecation, which looks significantly different from normal stool consistency. This may cause concern about digestive or intestinal issues, leading to inquiries about the causes of bubbles in stools. Common reasons include indigestion, chronic enteritis, and other conditions that require timely treatment based on the underlying cause.

1. Indigestion: Poor intestinal digestion can lead to the accumulation of food residue, which ferments with bacteria in the intestine to produce gas. This gas manifests as bubbles in the stool. Indigestion suggests that dietary habits should be adjusted. Avoiding cold, greasy, and fibrous foods that can cause bloating, such as potatoes, onions, strong tea, and alcohol, is recommended. Instead, a diet of light meals and smaller, more frequent meals should be adopted.

2. Chronic Enteritis: Chronic enteritis disrupts the intestinal balance, resulting in stool with bubbles. It is recommended that individuals with bubbly stool consult a doctor for colonoscopy or colonoscopy examination. Under the guidance of a doctor, medication can be prescribed to enhance intestinal motility and correct intestinal dysfunction.

1. Stool Color: The color of stool can provide insights into physical abnormalities. Normally, healthy stool should be yellow or brownish. Green stool may indicate the consumption of green vegetables, while black stool can be caused by the ingestion of iron-rich foods like pig blood. Dark stool may suggest gastrointestinal bleeding. Stool with dark red blood may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding or the presence of intestinal tumors such as colorectal cancer. Bright red blood in stool is often associated with hemorrhoids or rectal cancer. Pale stool color and dark urine can be indicative of obstructive jaundice.

2. Stool Shape: Normal stool should be banana-shaped and well-formed. Abnormal stool shapes may indicate underlying conditions:

(1) Flattened stool: A flattened shape may suggest a narrowing of the anus, possibly due to the presence of a tumor near the anus or rectum. Tumors can compress the stool during its passage, leading to deformation.

(2) Watery stool: Watery stool without abdominal pain but accompanied by diarrhea is a sign of viral enteritis. Watery stool with a foul odor and blood may indicate acute hemorrhagic necrotic enteritis.

(3) Grooved stool: The presence of grooves on the sides of stool can be seen in cases of colonic polyps and rectal tumors. This is due to the compression of the stool by polyps or tumors, resulting in the formation of grooves.

If stool exhibits bubbles, abnormal colors, or shapes, it is recommended to promptly consult a doctor for colonoscopy. Colonoscopy can effectively diagnose intestinal pathologies and facilitate further treatment.