Symptom 9: Change in Bowel Habits
Most people, children included, have a somewhat predictable bowel movement routine. Whether it’s once a day or every other day, our bodies establish a rhythm. A sudden, persistent disruption to this routine, particularly without any evident dietary or lifestyle changes, could point towards JPS.
The growth of polyps in the digestive tract can significantly influence bowel habits. Depending on their size, number, and location, they might cause constipation, diarrhea, or an alternating cycle of both. These growths can interfere with the typical movement and evacuation of waste, leading to these irregularities.
Changes aren’t limited to how often one goes. There might be a noticeable difference in the consistency, color, and even the effort required during bowel movements. Straining, urgency, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation can accompany these changes, adding to the distress.
Frequent bouts of diarrhea, prolonged periods of constipation, or even alternating between the two are not ordinary hiccups. When these patterns persist and are paired with other symptoms on this list, they demand a closer, more clinical look.
While everyone experiences occasional bowel irregularities, persistent changes should never be brushed under the carpet. Especially in younger individuals, these alterations might be the body’s way of sounding the alarm about a deeper issue, like JPS. (9)
