What Does It Mean When Your Poop Is Stringy?

A stool that appears thin or string-like can be a sign of potential issues. Dietary choices, IBS, and infections may be the cause; however, in rare cases, it may indicate colorectal cancer.

It is usual for stools to differ in shape and texture, but if the poop appears stringy regularly, it may be necessary to seek medical attention.

A person's stool's size, shape, and consistency indicate their overall health. A healthy stool is typically two inches wide, whereas stringy poop appears much thinner. It may also take on a flat, solid, or liquid form.

Causes Of Stringy Poop

Here are some of the most frequent causes of stringy stools:

1. Poor Diet

If a person's diet lacks fibre and fluids, their stool will likely be smaller and stringy. This can lead to constipation, impacting a person's overall health.

If constipation persists, it can cause blockages in the colon, leading to the passing of thin, stringy stools.

Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and lentils is an effective way to help relieve constipation. These foods are high in fibre and can help to increase stool frequency and soften stools.

Incorporating potatoes with the skins on, oats, almonds, and peas into your diet can help you increase your fibre intake.

It is suggested that adults consume 25 grams of fibre per day. Fibre helps to make stools softer and more accessible to pass, making it an essential part of a healthy diet.

2. Intestinal Infection

Intestinal infections, caused by certain bacteria or parasites, can lead to various symptoms. These include stringy stool, nausea, cramps, fatigue, and weight loss. Such infections can be uncomfortable and lead to severe complications if left unchecked.

In most instances, medical professionals can quickly treat these infections with antibiotics, antiparasitic medications, or medications that counterbalance stomach acidity. These remedies will cure the infection and solve the problem of stringy stool.

3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a health condition that occurs in the large intestine and may be responsible for changes in bowel habits. These changes may include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bloating, and general discomfort.

The exact reason for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is still unknown. However, various theories suggest the disorder may be linked to hypersensitivity of the nerves in the intestine, disruptions in the muscular contractions of the intestine, and inflammation of the lining of the intestinal wall.

Currently, there is no medical cure for IBS. However, many people can find relief from their IBS symptoms by avoiding known triggers and by utilising lifestyle methods to manage their symptoms.

4. Colorectal Cancer

Stringy or narrow stool may be a symptom of colorectal cancer, although rare. Other possible signs of this type of cancer include:

• Bleeding from the rectum
  
  
• Dark-coloured stool due to the presence of blood
  
  
• Cramps
  
  
• Abdominal discomfort
  
  
• Continuous fatigue
  
  
• Unexplained and noticeable loss of weight

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor to determine if you have colorectal cancer and begin the appropriate treatment.

Other Causes

Some of the more frequent disorders associated with producing stringy stool are:

• An expanded or distended colon
  
  
• Constriction or anorectal stricture between the rectum and anus
  
  
• Small growths or polyps within the colon
  
  
• A hardened mass of stool trapped in the colon, referred to as faecal impaction,
  
  
• Colon inflammation, as observed in ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
  
  
• Abdominal hernias

Diagnosing Stringy Poop

If a person experiences stringy stool regularly or has other symptoms, a doctor may need to conduct further tests to determine the cause.

One or more of the following tests will be recommended by the doctor:

• Stool sample analysis to identify bacterial or parasitic infections
  
  
• Fecal occult testing to screen for blood in stool
  
  
• Imaging examinations like CT scans or X-rays with a contrast medium, such as barium, to visualise the digestive tract
  
  
• Colonoscopy to comprehensively inspect the entire colon
  
  
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy to assess the lower part of the colon

Takeaway

If stringy stool persists for over a week and is accompanied by other symptoms, medical attention should be sought. Although stringy stool is not usually a significant cause for concern, early diagnosis and treatment can help ensure a positive outcome.

You can connect with one of our doctors at Mobi Doctor with the click of a button and get the care you need.