# An unexpected reason for frequent trips to the bathroom has been named

Gastroenterology professor David Sanders has warned that frequent trips to the bathroom may be linked not only to irritable bowel syndrome but also to bacterial imbalance in the small intestine.

The doctor discussed this in an interview with the Daily Mail.

According to the specialist, frequent urges to defecate are often automatically associated with irritable bowel syndrome. However, one possible cause may be small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. This condition can cause diarrhea, bloating, cramps, excessive gas, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

Sanders noted that the problem often remains undiagnosed because its symptoms overlap with manifestations of more common functional gastrointestinal disorders. As a result, patients may receive general treatment for a long time that does not address the root cause.

The doctor emphasized that additional warning signs should raise concern - weakness, unexplained weight loss, or noticeable changes in bowel habits. In such cases, it is necessary to consult a specialist. Diagnosis, according to the physician, includes laboratory tests and special examinations that help distinguish bacterial imbalance from other intestinal disorders and select appropriate therapy.