In some cases, however , narrow stools — especially if pencil thin — may be a sign of narrowing or obstruction of the colon due to colon cancer. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is another condition that may cause changes in the size of your stools, so that they're smaller, larger or narrower than usual.
While narrow or pencil-thin stool is not always a sign of constipation, it may be if your poop doesn't normally look that way. Constipation is usually caused by a lack of fiber in your diet or not enough exercise. Other causes include pregnancy, travel, use of some medications, and changes in your hormone levels.
Check with your doctor if you notice any changes in the appearance of your stool — such as narrower than normal stools — that last longer than 1 to 2 weeks. Consult your doctor immediately if your bowel changes are accompanied by rectal bleeding or severe abdominal pain.
Poor diet
A diet that is low in fiber or fluids increases the chance of constipation. As a result, the stool can be less bulky and shrinks in size, taking on a stringy appearance. Chronic constipation often leads to blockages that develop in the colon, leading to the passage of thin, stringy stools.
They can be harmless, occurring as a result of a low fiber diet or temporary infection. However, narrow or pencil-thin stools may also indicate an underlying condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome or colorectal cancer. If narrow stools occur infrequently, they are typically not a cause for concern.
Treatment. If the stringy stool is caused by constipation, drinking plenty of water and eating more fiber-rich foods should help.
Check with your doctor if you notice any changes in the appearance of your stool — such as narrower than normal stools — that last longer than 1 to 2 weeks. Consult your doctor immediately if your bowel changes are accompanied by rectal bleeding or severe abdominal pain.
The growth of cancerous or non-cancerous tumors or polyps may cause a narrowing of the rectum, that is thought to result in thin or narrowed stool.
Symptoms of Diverticulosis
When diverticulosis is far advanced, the lower colon may become very fixed, distorted, and even narrowed. When this occurs, there may be thin or pellet-shaped stools, constipation, and an occasional rush of diarrhea.
Hemorrhoids can cause pencil-thin stools. While this is a common diagnosis, you should see your doctor if the problem persists and is accompanied by symptoms such as rectal bleeding, pain, and discomfort.
Some of the potential causes include: Changed Digestion - Anxiety releases adrenaline, and adrenaline may slow down the speed of your digestion. Any time your digestion speed changes, it may cause either diarrhea or constipation.
Another common cause of thin stools is Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Those who suffer from IBS suffer from stools that change in shape and texture, suffer from diarrhea, as well as: Gas, bloating, constipation.
Anxiety poop affects more of us than you might think. Anxiety-producing events can trigger digestive issues, including diarrhea, constipation and nausea. This is because your gut and your brain are linked. Anxiety poop is your body's reaction to extreme stress.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system. It causes symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. These tend to come and go over time, and can last for days, weeks or months at a time. It's usually a lifelong problem.
Feelings of fullness or swelling in your belly. Loud sounds from your belly. Feeling gassy, but being unable to pass gas. Constipation (being unable to pass stool)
Diverticulitis stool characteristics
Color: The stool may be bright red, maroon, or black and tarry, which indicates the presence of blood. Stools may contain more mucus than normal. Odor: The stool odor may be increasingly foul compared to the typical smell.
Doctors may order a stool test to help find out if you have diverticular disease or another health problem, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Your doctor will give you a container for catching and holding a stool sample. You will receive instructions on where to send or take the kit for testing.
Diverticulosis of the colon is often diagnosed during routine screening colonoscopy. In clinical practice, severe diverticulosis anatomically increases the risk of perforation because of fixed angulations, deep folds, and peristalsis of the colon[5-7].
The doctor also may suggest taking a fiber product, such as Citrucel® or Metamucil®, once a day. Your doctor may recommend a low- or high-fiber diet depending on your condition. Listed below are high-fiber food options for diverticulosis and low-fiber food options for diverticulitis.
A colon stricture is the narrowing of the large intestine. A stricture slows or prevents waste from passing through your large intestine. Colon strictures can become life-threatening if they are not treated.
A persistent change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool. Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool. Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain. A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely.
Tests to confirm a large bowel obstruction
Air enema or contrast enema to take pictures of the inside of the large bowel to obtain clear x-‐ray images Colonoscopy to check for problems inside the large bowel and collect any tissues samples for biopsy that might be necessary.
The most common symptom of diverticulitis is a sharp cramp-like pain, usually on the left side of your lower abdomen. Other symptoms can include fever and chills, nausea, vomiting, and constipation or diarrhea.