What does narrow stool indicate?
Narrow stools occur due to changes in bowel movements. 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.
Is narrow stool a problem?
Narrow stools that occur infrequently probably are harmless. However in some cases, narrow stools — especially if pencil thin — may be a sign of narrowing or obstruction of the colon due to colon cancer.
What is the cause of the narrowing of the vessels that causes intestinal obstruction?
In most cases, intestinal ischemic syndromes are caused by atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty matter and plaque on the blood vessel walls), leading to narrowing or blockage of the vessel. The conditions also can be caused by blood clots or aneurysms (an abnormal enlargement or bulging) in the vessels.
What causes lack of blood flow to the colon?
The precise cause of diminished blood flow to the colon isn’t always clear. But several factors can increase your risk of ischemic colitis: Buildup of fatty deposits on the walls of an artery (atherosclerosis) Low blood pressure (hypotension) associated with dehydration, heart failure, surgery, trauma or shock.
What is a narrow stool look like?
Stringy poop may also be referred to as stools that are pencil-thin, ribbon-like, thin, or narrow. Normal stool is about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Stringy poop is narrow and, in some cases, almost flat, giving it a stringy appearance. It may be solid or loose.
What can cause thin stools?
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. Strong urge to go, mucus in your poop.
Can dehydration cause narrow stools?
“Typically, moving around less, sitting for prolonged periods and being relatively dehydrated can slow the bowels down, and this can result in a change in shape.”
Can ischemic bowel cause death?
Intestinal ischemia is a serious condition that can cause pain and make it difficult for your intestines to work properly. In severe cases, loss of blood flow to the intestines can damage intestinal tissue and possibly lead to death.
How do you know if your intestines are dying?
Symptoms of acute intestinal ischemia Sudden abdominal pain that may be mild, moderate or severe. An urgent need to have a bowel movement. Frequent, forceful bowel movements. Abdominal tenderness or distention.