What does pencil thin poop 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 causes ribbon like stools?
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.
What does it mean when your poop is skinny?
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.
Can hemorrhoids cause pencil thin stools?
Protruding masses from the rectum or anus are most commonly due to hemorrhoids, a type of dilated blood vessels.
Does IBS cause ribbon like stools?
Belly pains or cramps, usually in the lower half of the belly, that get worse after meals and feel better after a bowel movement. A lot of gas or bloating. Harder or looser stools than normal (pellets or flat ribbon stools) A belly that sticks out.
What is an abnormal fit test result?
An abnormal FIT result simply means that blood was found in the stool sample that you submitted. FIT can only tell us that you may be bleeding from somewhere in your lower digestive tract. It cannot tell us from which part or why. FIT is a screening test that can only detect blood in the stool.
What other conditions may cause blood in the stool and a positive result?
Other conditions that may cause blood in your stool include ulcers, hemorrhoids, polyps, and benign (not cancer) tumors. If you have blood in your stool, your provider will likely recommend more tests to figure out the exact location and cause of your bleeding. The most common follow-up test is a colonoscopy.