Bristol stool scale

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Bristol Stool Scale

The Bristol Stool Scale (or Bristol Stool Chart) is a diagnostic medical tool designed to classify the form of human feces into seven categories. It was developed by Dr. Ken Heaton at the University of Bristol and was first published in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology in 1997. The scale is used in both clinical and experimental fields.

Pronunciation

Bristol Stool Scale: /ˈbrɪstəl stuːl skeɪl/

Etymology

The term "Bristol Stool Scale" is named after the University of Bristol, where it was developed. The word "stool" is derived from the Old English word "stōl", which refers to a seat or chair, and by extension, to excrement. The word "scale" comes from the Latin "scala", meaning "ladder", and refers to a graduated range of values forming a standard system for measuring or grading something.

Description

The Bristol Stool Scale is a chart which details seven types of stool, from Type 1 (indicating constipation) to Type 7 (indicating diarrhea). It is used by medical professionals to help diagnose conditions related to the bowel, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

Related Terms

  • Feces: The waste matter discharged from the bowels after food has been digested; excrement.
  • Constipation: A condition in which there is difficulty in emptying the bowels, usually associated with hardened feces.
  • Diarrhea: A condition in which feces are discharged from the bowels frequently and in a liquid form.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): An umbrella term used to describe disorders that involve chronic inflammation of your digestive tract.

External links

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