What is a Bristol stool scale?

Bristol Stool Scale is used to assess the physical appearance and form of fecal samples. The scale includes seven types, from solid feces to watery diarrhea. The scale was developed by Dr. Ken Heaton of the University of Bristol in England as a means to estimate the period of faecal transit, but is generally used to assess the treatment of various bowel diseases. In the UK, Bristol Stool Scale is sometimes called Meyers.

Each category on the Bristol Stool scale describes a specific form. Stools of type 1 are separate small hard lumps, while stools type 2 are in the shape of sausages, but lumpy. These two types of stool show constipation. The type 3 stools that are a cracked surface are considered normal when they are secreted without stress, but sometimes they can indicate a slight constipation.

type 4 stools are considered to be the most testimony to normal bowel movements and good digestive health. These arsnadno stools pass, are smooth and soft and are shaped as toLobasa or snake. Stools type 5 are soft separate lumps that are easily passed. While these stools are usually considered normal, they may sometimes indicate diarrhea.

In most cases, stools of type 6 and 7 are associated with diarrhea. Stools type 6 are mushy lumps with ragged, undefined edges, while stools type 7 are very watery and can even be completely liquid. Both types of bowel movements are usually transmitted with a high degree of urgency.

Although the intended purpose of the Bristol stool scale was to estimate the time it was needed for food to take place through the digestive tract and appear as fecal waste, the validity of this idea was soon questioned. The main reason is the fact that the time of fecal transit is not the only factor that determines the form of the bowel movement; However, the scale remained for doctors and researchers for two reasons.

First, seven categoriesThe scale provides a preliminary method for determining the effects of specific treatment. By monitoring the patient's intestines and comparing their appearance with the scale, the doctor or nurse has an immediate scale of whether the treatment had any effect. The second reason is that patients who are ashamed or otherwise reluctant to discuss their bowel movements can simply point out a comparative image of the type that is most similar to their movement.

Bristol Stool Scale is most commonly used by doctors as a means to evaluate stool samples, but anyone who is interested in monitoring their intestinal habits can use the scale at home. This, of course, does not replace medical assistance from a doctor or other healthcare professional. Any significant or persistent changes in health health or bowel movement may indicate the arrival of the disease and should be discussed with a doctor.