Bowel Transit Time

What Affects the Test

You may have an abnormal bowel transit time if you:

• Have an infection in your intestines.
• Do not drink enough fluids (dehydration).
• Have a disease, such as a narrowing (stricture) in your intestine, an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), diabetes, or Hirschsprung's disease.
• Are eating less than you usually do or you are eating different kinds of food than usual.
• Take medicines, such as cold medicines, iron, or medicine used to control blood pressure and pain.

Women normally have slower bowel transit times than men.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: April 11, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.