seases is bloody diarrhea and the presence of mucus in stools.
5. Irritable bowel syndrome
If you are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome then that can explain your thin narrow stools. This syndrome causes an alteration in the bowel motion and increases the production of mucus in the large intestine. The mucus-rich poop is more likely to mold into a ribbon-shaped stool.
6. Colorectal cancer
This is a quite rare cause of stringy poop.
The risk of stringy poop being cancer is low if there are no other associated symptoms. These associated symptoms include a drastic change in how often you poop, blood in stool and unexplained weight loss. If this is the case, then you may want to check with your physician for advice and complete evaluation.
When should I see a doctor?
It’s not every case of stringy poop that is dangerous. Most times, it’s nothing to worry about. So, when should you then see a doctor? Generally, you may consider contacting your physician if:
- It persists for a long period rather than just a random experience.
- If there are associated symptoms or complaints of abdominal pains, cramping, blood or mucus in stool or a change in how often you use the toilet.
What tests might I need to do?
If your physician decides to look for a cause for the stringy poop, then you may be subject to investigations. These investigations may be blood tests, imaging, or stool samples. Furthermore, invasive scopes may be needed to visualize the large intestine and take tissue samples to rule out a cancerous cause.
Here is a list of commonly requested investigations:
- A stool sample for routine examination and microscopy to look for parasites or even culturing for the growth of bacteria.
- A stool sample to examine for unseen blood called fecal occult blood stool.
- Blood test samples for inflammatory markers and screening for other immune-mediated diseases like celiac disease.
- A plain X-ray, an X-ray with contrast, and even a CT scan may be ordered in some cases.
- Invasive scopes to examine the large intestine like sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.
How is it treated?
The treatment is pretty much directed towards the cause.
Once a potential reason is identified, the appropriate advice is offered and medications are prescribed. If stringy poop is just an occasional event and you do not have any additional symptoms then no treatment is required.
However, some treatment options are listed below according to the cause.
Increase your daily intake of fiber-rich diet and drink ample amounts of fluids.
2. Intestinal infections:
You may be prescribed specific antibacterial or antiparasitic medications according to the suspected or isolated causative agent. Appropriate rehydration is important in such infections to avoid further complications.
3. Inflammatory bowel disease:
This will require a specialist gastroenterologist to educate you about the disease and to decide the best treatment option for you.
4. Hernias and bowel obstruction:
Usually surgically treated. The surgery aims to place back the abdominal contents in their normal place, and then seal off the abdominal wall defect.
5. Colorectal cancer:
Necessitates the opinion of a specialist oncologist who is responsible for treating cancers. The options are usually surgical, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy. The treatment regimen will depend on the type of tumor, stage of the tumor, and the general condition of the patient.
In summary, almost everyone experiences stringy poop at some point in his or her lives, and it is usually nothing to worry about. If there are no further complaints or associated symptoms, then relax.
However, if you have other symptoms like abdominal pain, bloody stool, weight loss and a drastic change in how often you poop, then kindly review your physician to make sure all is well. In general, most of the cases will be resolved with a fiber-rich diet, good hydration, and medical treatment.
- Borhan-Manesh, F. (2009, February). “Low caliber stool” and “pencil thin stool” are not signs of colo-rectal cancer. Retrieved June 18, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih