Bristol stool chart

A medical tool used to classify human feces into seven categories

Bristol stool chart
The Bristol stool chart
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The Bristol stool chart, also known as the Bristol stool scale, is a medical tool designed to classify the form of human feces into seven distinct categories. It was developed by Dr. Ken Heaton at the University of Bristol and first published in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology in 1997. The chart is widely used in clinical settings to help diagnose and monitor bowel health.

Description

The Bristol stool chart categorizes stool into seven types based on shape and consistency:

• Type 1: Separate hard lumps, like nuts (hard to pass)
• Type 2: Sausage-shaped but lumpy
• Type 3: Like a sausage but with cracks on its surface
• Type 4: Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft
• Type 5: Soft blobs with clear-cut edges (passed easily)
• Type 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool
• Type 7: Watery, no solid pieces, entirely liquid

Types 1 and 2 indicate constipation, while Types 3 and 4 are considered normal. Types 5, 6, and 7 may indicate diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.

Clinical Use

The Bristol stool chart is a useful tool for both patients and healthcare providers. It helps in:

• Assessing bowel health and function
• Diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders
• Monitoring the effectiveness of treatments for bowel-related conditions

Patients can use the chart to describe their stool consistency to healthcare providers, facilitating better communication and more accurate diagnosis.

History

The chart was developed in response to the need for a simple, visual method to describe stool consistency. Dr. Ken Heaton and his team at the University of Bristol conducted research that led to the creation of the chart, which has since become a standard tool in gastroenterology.

Limitations

While the Bristol stool chart is a helpful tool, it is not a diagnostic test. It should be used in conjunction with other assessments and tests to diagnose gastrointestinal conditions. Stool consistency can be influenced by diet, hydration, and other factors, so it is important to consider these when using the chart.

Also see

• Gastroenterology
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Digestive system