Latest news with #ChloeMeadows
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
6 toilet habit changes you should always see a doctor about
No one enjoys talking about bowel movements. But ignoring the signs your body is trying to send you can mean putting off a diagnosis you really need to hear. Just ask TOWIE star Chloe Meadows. The reality TV regular recently shared on Dr Oscar Duke's Bedside Manners podcast that she'd spent a decade silently struggling with bleeding, stomach pain and extreme fatigue before finally getting a diagnosis: ulcerative colitis, a chronic condition that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon. She lived with on-and-off symptoms for years, assuming they'd passed. It wasn't until age 26, when she became visibly unwell, that a blood test led her to A&E and finally, a diagnosis. Meadows' experience is an important reminder that when your toilet habits change – and stay changed – it's time to talk to your GP. Below, we break down six toilet-related red flags that experts say you should never ignore. And no, it's not just about your bowel movements; your wee, urgency levels, and even smells all matter, too. Whether you're suddenly constipated, dealing with constant diarrhoea, or noticing your stool looks different (narrower, paler or greasy), changes that last longer than a few weeks are worth investigating. The NHS advises that ongoing shifts in bowel habits could be linked to anything from diet and stress to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In some cases, persistent symptoms could be a sign of bowel cancer, so don't brush them off. When to see your GP: If your usual routine has changed for more than two to three weeks, especially if it's paired with stomach pain, fatigue, or weight loss. It might be bright red or dark and tarry; either way, it's not something to ignore. Bright red blood can come from piles or small tears, but darker blood might mean there's bleeding higher up in the digestive system. When to see your GP: If you see blood in your poo. You may be offered a stool test, or in some cases, a referral for further checks. If anything feels amiss and suddenly starts to sting, burn or feel uncomfortable, you might assume it's a urinary tract infection (UTI). And often, that's true. But it can also be a sign of kidney stones or bladder issues. Blood in your urine should also be taken seriously, even if it only happens once. When to see your GP: If you have pain while urinating, see blood or feel the urge to go far more often than usual. Needing the loo more often than usual (especially at night), feeling like you can't wait, or leaking a little when you cough, sneeze or laugh could signal an overactive bladder, prostate issues (in men), or pelvic floor dysfunction. These symptoms might feel embarrassing, but they're generally common and manageable with the right support. When to see your GP: If bladder leaks or urgency interfere with your daily life, or if you notice a sudden change in how often you need to go. A little mucus in your stool isn't always a worry, but frequent slimy stools can be a sign of infection or inflammation in your gut. When to see your GP: If mucus appears regularly, especially if it comes with bloating, pain or a change in bowel movements. If going to the toilet has become uncomfortable, painful, or feels like hard work, that's your body waving a red flag. Regular straining can cause or worsen hemorrhoids, but it might also signal bowel issues or even neurological problems affecting your pelvic floor. When to see your GP: If you're straining often, feel like you're not fully emptying your bowels, or notice pain during or after a bowel movement. If you're unsure, remember that everyone has their own baseline of what's 'normal'. However, there are a few simple signs to watch for as a guide. According to the Bladder and Bowel Health Service, healthy bowel movements should be soft, smooth and easy to pass; ideally at least three times a week. You should also be able to urinate without pain or discomfort. If you also notice you're often bloated, tired, straining, or notice blood or mucus, it's time to speak to your GP. Changes might be harmless, but they're always worth checking. Read more on bowel habits: This Poop Chart Will Tell You If Your Bathroom Habits Are Actually Healthy Or If You Need To See A Doctor ASAP (Buzzfeed, 4-min read) How 'blowing bubbles' and 'mooing' can help ease constipation, according to NHS doctor (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read) Bowel cancer cases in young people rising sharply in England, study finds (PA Media, 4-min read)
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
6 toilet habit changes you should always see a doctor about
No one enjoys talking about bowel movements. But ignoring the signs your body is trying to send you can mean putting off a diagnosis you really need to hear. Just ask TOWIE star Chloe Meadows. The reality TV regular recently shared on Dr Oscar Duke's Bedside Manners podcast that she'd spent a decade silently struggling with bleeding, stomach pain and extreme fatigue before finally getting a diagnosis: ulcerative colitis, a chronic condition that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon. She lived with on-and-off symptoms for years, assuming they'd passed. It wasn't until age 26, when she became visibly unwell, that a blood test led her to A&E and finally, a diagnosis. Meadows' experience is an important reminder that when your toilet habits change – and stay changed – it's time to talk to your GP. Below, we break down six toilet-related red flags that experts say you should never ignore. And no, it's not just about your bowel movements; your wee, urgency levels, and even smells all matter, too. Whether you're suddenly constipated, dealing with constant diarrhoea, or noticing your stool looks different (narrower, paler or greasy), changes that last longer than a few weeks are worth investigating. The NHS advises that ongoing shifts in bowel habits could be linked to anything from diet and stress to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In some cases, persistent symptoms could be a sign of bowel cancer, so don't brush them off. When to see your GP: If your usual routine has changed for more than two to three weeks, especially if it's paired with stomach pain, fatigue, or weight loss. It might be bright red or dark and tarry; either way, it's not something to ignore. Bright red blood can come from piles or small tears, but darker blood might mean there's bleeding higher up in the digestive system. When to see your GP: If you see blood in your poo. You may be offered a stool test, or in some cases, a referral for further checks. If anything feels amiss and suddenly starts to sting, burn or feel uncomfortable, you might assume it's a urinary tract infection (UTI). And often, that's true. But it can also be a sign of kidney stones or bladder issues. Blood in your urine should also be taken seriously, even if it only happens once. When to see your GP: If you have pain while urinating, see blood or feel the urge to go far more often than usual. Needing the loo more often than usual (especially at night), feeling like you can't wait, or leaking a little when you cough, sneeze or laugh could signal an overactive bladder, prostate issues (in men), or pelvic floor dysfunction. These symptoms might feel embarrassing, but they're generally common and manageable with the right support. When to see your GP: If bladder leaks or urgency interfere with your daily life, or if you notice a sudden change in how often you need to go. A little mucus in your stool isn't always a worry, but frequent slimy stools can be a sign of infection or inflammation in your gut. When to see your GP: If mucus appears regularly, especially if it comes with bloating, pain or a change in bowel movements. If going to the toilet has become uncomfortable, painful, or feels like hard work, that's your body waving a red flag. Regular straining can cause or worsen hemorrhoids, but it might also signal bowel issues or even neurological problems affecting your pelvic floor. When to see your GP: If you're straining often, feel like you're not fully emptying your bowels, or notice pain during or after a bowel movement. If you're unsure, remember that everyone has their own baseline of what's 'normal'. However, there are a few simple signs to watch for as a guide. According to the Bladder and Bowel Health Service, healthy bowel movements should be soft, smooth and easy to pass; ideally at least three times a week. You should also be able to urinate without pain or discomfort. If you also notice you're often bloated, tired, straining, or notice blood or mucus, it's time to speak to your GP. Changes might be harmless, but they're always worth checking. Read more on bowel habits: This Poop Chart Will Tell You If Your Bathroom Habits Are Actually Healthy Or If You Need To See A Doctor ASAP (Buzzfeed, 4-min read) How 'blowing bubbles' and 'mooing' can help ease constipation, according to NHS doctor (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read) Bowel cancer cases in young people rising sharply in England, study finds (PA Media, 4-min read)
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Ulcerative colitis red flags as TOWIE star shares health battle
Chloe Meadows has opened up about her battle with the condition after first noticing unusual symptoms at 16 years old Chloe Meadows openly discussed her struggle with ulcerative colitis on Dr. Oscar Duke's Bedside Manners podcast, revealing that she ignored warning signs for almost ten years. The 33-year-old reality star recalled noticing blood in her stool at the age of 16 while attending boarding school. "I remember I told my mum and was like there is quite a lot of blood down the toilet," Chloe, who once starred in The Only Way Is Essex, said. "I'm not really sure what is going on and she, of course, said go to the doctors. I went to the doctors and they said that I would have to have a colonoscopy. "The doctor referred me and I got this letter, and this is awful, but I got this letter and I just never went to the appointment because I was terrified. It would stop for periods of time so that the blood would go away. "I'd be like, 'Oh, cool, it's gone away, I'm better. There's nothing wrong with me'. I'd go through years where it wouldn't happen and then it would happen again, and then it would stop again. "I just got on with it and ignored it. I think I was scared of having any procedure done." The podcast episode underscored the importance of recognising this condition, pointing out how frequently people dismiss or overlook symptoms when they occur. To gain further insights into ulcerative colitis, we interviewed Pearl Avery, the IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) nursing lead at Crohn's & Colitis UK, who discussed several typical red flags to be aware of. Ulcerative colitis explained "Ulcerative colitis is a type of IBD where parts of the large bowel – the colon and rectum – become inflamed and ulcerated," Avery said. "This can cause worrying symptoms like blood in your poo and frequent, urgent diarrhoea as well as weight loss (because you're struggling to absorb nutrients) and fatigue. "Usually, the immune system protects the body, but it's thought that in colitis it goes wrong and starts attacking the bowel." Despite this, Avery emphasised that its exact cause remains largely unknown. She went on: "We don't know for sure what causes colitis or Crohn's, but researchers believe it's a mix of genes, bacteria in the gut and something in the environment that triggers it. There are all sorts of exciting studies happening now to unlock the mystery of what causes IBD and hopefully one day find a cure." Typical red flags to look out for While each person experiences colitis in their own way, certain warning signs should not be ignored. "Some symptoms to look out for include blood in your poo (more than once), urgent and frequent diarrhoea, unexplained weight loss, joint pain and fatigue," Avery said. "Constipation can also be a symptom of colitis, as can stomach pain. There is a really handy symptom checker on the Crohn's & Colitis UK website which takes just 30 seconds to complete and provides support and guidance on when to see a doctor and what to say when you get there." When you should seek medical advice Although symptoms can be easily brushed off as a 'dodgy tummy' or something consumed, Avery advised consulting an expert promptly. "If you are seeing blood in the toilet when you poo, having frequent diarrhoea, or even waking up in the night to rush to the loo, then it's time to speak to someone about it," she said. "We know that it's taking too long for people with Crohn's and colitis to be diagnosed, but the sooner you start that process and ask for help, the better." Diagnosing ulcerative colitis If colitis is suspected, various tests might be suggested. Avery explained: "One is a straightforward faecal calprotectin test, which analyses a sample of your poo to work out how much inflammation you've got going on in your bowel. "Then you might be referred for a colonoscopy, which is done in the hospital and involves having a scope, or tiny camera, put into your bottom to look around the colon and rectum." Treatment options Currently, a cure for colitis is not available; however, several treatments exist to alleviate its symptoms. These treatments include immunosuppressants and steroids. Avery continued: "There are new drugs being developed all the time, which is really encouraging. Some people with colitis end up having surgery to have part of their bowel removed and a stoma fitted. "Those operations are life-changing, but that's not a bad thing, because for many patients the change is very positive, and they tell us they wish they had had the surgery sooner and it has given them a new lease of life."
Wales Online
10-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Chloe Meadows so ‘scared' she ignored ulcerative colitis symptoms for a decade
Chloe Meadows so 'scared' she ignored ulcerative colitis symptoms for a decade The former star of The Only Way Is Essex, 33, first discovered blood in her stool, a symptom of ulcerative colitis, when she was 16 The Only Way is Essex star Chloe Meadows (Image: Getty Images for Amazon MGM Stud ) Reality TV star Chloe Meadows has said she was so "scared" of the doctors and the prospect of "having any procedure done" that she ignored symptoms of a chronic inflammatory bowel condition for around 10 years. The former star of The Only Way Is Essex, 33, first discovered blood in her stool, a symptom of ulcerative colitis, when she was 16. "I went to a college where I boarded when I was 16. I was staying away from home and I was living in a student house and there was blood down the toilet", she told Dr Oscar Duke's Bedside Manners podcast. "I remember I told my mum and I was like, there's quite a lot of blood down the toilet. I'm not really sure what's going on. "She was of course like, go to the doctors. I went to the doctors, and they said that I would have to have a colonoscopy, which is a camera into the bowel." Meadows added: "At this point in my life, I had never really ever been to the hospital. I'd never been sick. Article continues below "I'd never had any procedure or operation. I'd never been sedated. I'd never had anything and the doctor referred me and I got this letter, and this is awful, but I got this letter and I just never went to the appointment because I was terrified. "Then I ignored it and what would happen, which is what I realise now, is that I can go into remission, I can go into a flare-up in remission. "It would stop for periods of time so that the blood would go away. I'd be like, 'Oh, cool, it's gone away, I'm better. There's nothing wrong with me'. "I'd go through years where it wouldn't happen and then it would happen again, and then it would stop again. "I would probably lie to my mum about how much it would happen because she always pestered me about it and I was like, 'No, it's fine'. "I just got on with it and ignored it. I think I was scared of having any procedure done. "I was also scared of what they were going to tell me ... I was just terrified, which is not really a reason not to go to the doctor, but I think that's just what I thought. "I was young as well, so I would forget when there wasn't blood down the toilet, I would completely forget." Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed, according to the NHS website. Symptoms include recurring diarrhoea, which may contain blood, extreme tiredness, loss of appetite and weight loss. Meadows said she had some health checks aged 26, 10 years after her symptoms first appeared, after she went on a diet at a time where she was also losing a lot of blood. Her mother intervened and said she should go to the doctors and get a blood test as she looked "grey". While she was out filming, after she had the blood tests, Meadows received a number of missed calls from her father who then texted her to say a doctor had advised her she should got straight to A&E because her "blood was so low". "I went to the hospital. I had to have all of these checks and these iron infusions and that was where it started," she said. Meadows also revealed that she had "probably my longest flare-up" after filming a nerve wracking scene on Towie. Article continues below Some people with ulcerative colitis may go for weeks or months with very mild symptoms, or none at all (remission), followed by flare-ups and relapses, according to the NHS website. Treatment options include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and surgery. Charity Crohn's And Colitis UK says there are more than 300,000 people in the UK living with colitis.
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
TOWIE star is rushed to hospital during filming after ignoring her worrying symptoms for 10 years
TOWIE star C hloe Meadows, 33, was rushed to hospital during filming after she ignored her worrying symptoms. Chloe revealed she was so 'scared' of the doctors and the prospect of 'having any procedure done' that she ignored symptoms of a chronic inflammatory bowel condition for around 10 years. Speaking on the Bedside Manners podcast with Dr Oscar Duke, Chloe said she had several health checks at the age of 26, 10 years after her symptoms first appeared. Her mother also intervened and told her she should go to the doctor to get a blood test done as she looked 'grey'. Following her blood test, Chloe was filming scenes for the popular reality series when she received several missed calls from her father, who then texted her to say a doctor had advised she should go straight to A&E because her 'blood was so low'. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. She said: 'I went to the hospital. I had to have all of these checks and these iron infusions, and that was where it started.' Chloe also revealed she had suffered from probably her longest flare-up after filming a nerve-wracking scene on TOWIE. Recalling how she first discovered blood in her stool at the age of 16, she said: 'I went to a college where I boarded when I was 16. 'I was staying away from home, and I was living in a student house, and there was blood down the toilet. 'I remember I told my mum, and I was like, "There's quite a lot of blood down the toilet. I'm not really sure what's going on," she was of course like, go to the doctors. 'I went to the doctors, and they said that I would have to have a colonoscopy, which is a camera into the bowel. Chloe added: 'At this point in my life, I had never really ever been to the hospital. I'd never been sick. I'd never had any procedure or operation. I'd never been sedated. 'I'd never had anything, and the doctor referred me, and I got this letter, and this is awful, but I got this letter, and I just never went to the appointment because I was terrified. She continued: 'Then I ignored it, and what would happen, which is what I realise now, is that I can go into remission, I can go into a flare-up in remission. 'It would stop for periods of time so that the blood would go away. I'd be like, "Oh, cool, it's gone away, I'm better. There's nothing wrong with me". 'I'd go through years where it wouldn't happen, and then it would happen again, and then it would stop again. 'I would probably lie to my mum about how much it would happen because she always pestered me about it, and I was like, "No, it's fine". Chloe admitted she was scared of having any procedure done, adding: 'I was also scared of what they were going to tell me. 'I was just terrified, which is not really a reason not to go to the doctor, but I think that's just what I thought. 'I was young as well, so I would forget when there wasn't blood down the toilet, I would completely forget.' According to the NHS website, Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed. Symptoms include recurring diarrhoea, which may contain blood, extreme tiredness, loss of appetite and weight loss. Some people with ulcerative colitis may go for weeks or months with very mild symptoms or none at all (remission), followed by flare-ups and relapses. Treatment options include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and surgery. WHAT IS INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE? Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a medical term that describes a group of conditions in which the intestines become inflamed (red and swollen). Two major types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis affects the large intestine (colon) whereas Crohn's disease can occur in any part of the intestines. Symptoms may include: People of any age can get IBD, but it's usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40. The conditions are chronic and cannot be cured so treatment usually relies on medication and lifestyle changes to manage the symptoms, but may include surgery. IBD is thought to affect some three million people in the US, over 300,000 Britons, and 85,000 Australians.
