Introduction
The Bristol stool form chart was developed in 1997. It was developed as a clinical assessment tool. It is also known as Meyer’s scale or the Bristol stool chart. It classifies feces into seven categories based on its consistency. It helps to identify if a person has healthy bowel (poop) movements. The part of the digestive system that absorbs the required nutrients and throws out the waste products is called the bowel. If the stool is passed too quickly after a meal, or if it is delayed, it can denote an improper functioning of the bowels.
What Is Bristol Stool Form Scale?
Dr.Kenneth Heaton developed the Bristol stool form chart (BSFC) as a clinical assessment tool in 1997. The BSFC classified stool based on its consistency. It can be used as a practical guide on how long the stool has been in the bowels. It was devised as a quick, economical, and reliable method to classify stool without requiring laboratory tests. The doctors can use the scale to assess the condition of the bowels and the effect of the treatment.
Scale reproducibility is an important factor in assessing any scale. Reliability and agreement are two important aspects of scale reproducibility. Rome III committee adopted the Bristol stool form scale to categorize irritable bowel syndrome or IBS (an intestinal disorder), based on its inclination towards diarrhea (watery and loose stool), constipation, or both. Clinical trials use the Bristol stool form scale to determine eligibility and to evaluate the results. The Rome criteria is a set of criteria used to diagnose a patient with a gut-brain interaction disorder. It is updated every six to ten years.
How Is Stool Classified in Bristol Stool Form Scale?
Bristol Stool Form Scale classifies stool based on consistency, from the hardest to the softest. The scale is used to describe the shape and size of the stool.
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Type 1 and 2: Type 1 explains the stool as dry and lumpy. They are hard to pass and are seen as separate lumps, like nuts. Type 2 is sausage-shaped but lumpy. These types could denote constipation, as the stools are dry, hard, and difficult to pass. It might also be darker in color. This happens when the food stays very long in the digestive system, and the colon absorbs much water from the stools. Eating a fiber-rich diet, drinking more water, exercising regularly, etc, can help to ease constipation. Over-the-counter laxatives can also be used for short times in severe cases. Doctors may suggest stool softeners in severe cases to soften the stool and make it easier to pass through.
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Type 3, and 4: Type 3 is sausage-shaped but still has cracks. Type 4 is sausage-shaped or snake-like, smooth, and soft in consistency. Type 5 has soft blobs with smooth edges and are easy to pass. Experts consider type 3 and type 4 to be normal and healthy stools.
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Type 5, 6, and 7: Some consider type 5 as a bowel disorder, while some consider it to be loose and part of diarrhea. Type 6 consists of fluffy pieces with edges that are ragged, and mushy in consistency. Type 7 is watery, with no solid pieces. These types of stools are suggestive of diarrhea since they are loose in consistency. They may be light in color. They are passed through the digestive system fast, and hence, the body might not have received sufficient time to absorb the required nutrients. People with diarrhea should take supportive treatment to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. These can include taking sufficient fluids and other oral resuscitation solutions. Over-the-counter antidiarrheal drugs can be used to stop diarrhea. Severe cases might require medical attention.
Who Uses Bristol Stool Scale?
The Bristol stool form scale is designed to classify feces based on their consistency and thus, is used as a fecal score chart. It is commonly used by medical professionals. However, due to its simplicity and ease of application, it can be used by anyone who wants to monitor their bowel movements. It is widely used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment for various bowel conditions. Bristol poop or stool chart is also used to diagnose IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), constipation, and diarrhea.
What Are Signs of a Healthy Bowel?
The bowels usually refer to the small and the large intestines. They play a major role in maintaining gut health. They aid in digestion, absorb the required nutrients, and throw out the waste. The bowel can be considered healthy if;
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Regular bowel movement with type 3 or type 4 stools.
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Able to hold the bowel for a short period after the first urge.
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Able to defecate within approximately a minute after sitting in the toilet, without having to strain.
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Able to pass stool without any pain or strain.
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The bowel is passed completely in one go.
How Can Bowel Health and Functions Be Improved?
Along with a diet rich in fiber, ample amount of fluids, and regular exercise, many other steps can help to maintain a healthy bowel (poop). They can include;
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Bowel Training: People can train themselves to pass bowels at different times of the day. Children can be trained before they turn three to prevent the soiling of clothes in public places. `
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Positioning: Maintaining an appropriate posture in the toilet seat can help to pass the stool without having to strain. This can involve relaxing, placing the knees at a higher level than the hips, leaning, bulging the abdomen, and straightening the spine.
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Changing Medications: If a medication is suspected to affect bowel movements, it can be altered after seeking medical advice.
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Dietary Changes: Apart from having a high-fiber diet, food that irritates the stomach should be avoided or limited. This can include alcohol, coffee consumption, and food high in fat content.
Conclusion
The Bristol stool form scale enables people to identify their stool types based on consistency. It is advisable to seek medical attention if one is persistently in any of the extremes on the scale or keeps changing from one type to another frequently. It will help to identify the potential causes and to follow a healthy lifestyle and diet for regular bowel movements.
