székletdiagram

A székletdiagram, more commonly known as the Bristol Stool Chart, is a medical diagnostic tool designed to classify the type of human feces. Developed by Kenneth Heaton at the University of Bristol, it visually represents seven different forms of stool, ranging from hard, lumpy masses to liquid consistency. Each type is associated with different transit times through the colon.

The chart categorizes stool as follows: Type 1 represents severe constipation, characterized by hard, separate lumps. Type 2 indicates constipation with larger, more formed lumps. Type 3 shows a stool with cracks on its surface, suggesting moderate constipation. Type 4 describes a normal, sausage-shaped or snake-like stool with a smooth surface. Type 5 represents stools that are soft blobs with clear-cut edges, indicating a lack of fiber. Type 6 refers to fluffy pieces with ragged edges, suggesting diarrhea. Type 7 is entirely liquid, with no solid pieces, indicating severe diarrhea.

The primary use of the Bristol Stool Chart is to help individuals understand and communicate their bowel habits to healthcare professionals. It can be a valuable tool in diagnosing and monitoring conditions related to intestinal function, such as constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). By providing a standardized visual reference, it facilitates objective assessment and aids in determining appropriate treatment strategies.