What does pencil size stool mean

If you have a parasite, you may have other symptoms such as:. A combination of surgery and medication may be needed. If it happens for more than a week, or you also have vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, or rectal bleeding, you should call your doctor. They will discuss your symptoms and determine if tests or treatment are needed. Most people experience stringy poop at least once.

In most cases, the outlook is good. When stringy poop is caused by a serious condition, your outlook depends on how quickly you receive care and the extent of the damage.

In many cases, dietary changes, medication, surgery, and good aftercare successfully resolves symptoms. When it comes to poop, the important thing is for you to know what is normal for you. The details of your poop can provide clues to your state of health. Learn what the sight, smell, size, color, and shape of your poop can tell you. Many common foods can cause diarrhea. Some foods irritate the gut, and others trigger food intolerance symptoms.

Learn about foods that cause diarrhea…. Is there an average number of times a day you should poop, and what are some of the factors that affect frequency? The jejunum is one of three sections that make up the small intestine. Learn about its function and anatomy, as well as the conditions that can affect…. At-home microbiome testing kits can be a first step. We look at these and give our recommendations for your overall gut health questions. Cholangitis is inflammation swelling in the bile duct.

Treatment depends on your symptoms and whether you have chronic or acute cholangitis. Gastroparesis is a condition in which your stomach empties into your small intestine too slowly.

Learn about the best diet for gastroparesis and what…. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and causes abdominal tenderness and pain. Learn more. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Besides stringy stool, symptoms of intestinal infections include nausea, cramps, fatigue , and weight loss. In most cases, doctors can easily treat these infections with antibiotics , antiparasitic drugs, or medicines that neutralize stomach acidity. These treatments will both clear up the infection and resolve the issue of stringy stool.

Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea , bloating, and persistent discomfort. The cause of IBS is not fully understood. Among the theories is an oversensitivity of nerves in the intestine, intestinal muscle disorders, and inflammation of the lining of the intestine. Medicine cannot cure IBS, as yet, but many people experience relief by avoiding triggers and learning to manage their symptoms in other ways. Although rare, stringy or narrow stool could be a sign of colorectal cancer.

This type of cancer , however, is also accompanied by other symptoms that can include:. If any of these symptoms are present, it is wise to check with a doctor who can confirm or rule out the presence of colorectal cancer and start treatment, accordingly.

Depending on the frequency of the problem, and the presence of other symptoms, a doctor may need to carry out further investigation to determine the underlying cause of stringy stool.

If it continues for longer than a week and is present alongside other symptoms, people should check with a doctor. Most cases of this type of stool have a good outlook, especially when diagnosed and treated early. Probiotics are a type of bacteria that may benefit health. Here, learn which illnesses probiotics may benefit and which sources may be most effective. Inflammatory bowel disease is an umbrella term for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Learn about its risk factors, effects on the body, and…. A look at different types of poop, which has a range of consistencies and odors. If you used to have sizeable stools but now they are always pencil thin and hard to pass, consult your doctor. In certain types of colon cancer , the bowel gets narrow, and so do your bowel movements.

Thin stools do not automatically mean cancer. But if they last a long time and if going to the bathroom is difficult for you, your doctor may order a colonoscopy to rule it out. We all have bouts of diarrhea from time to time. Runny, watery stool over a short period of time can mean mild food poisoning or an infection, for example. Your body reacts to things that go on around us. The impact of stress and unresolved issues may show up in your bathroom. Pay attention to what your bowels are telling you.

From stress to medical conditions, they may give you warning signs that will help you improve your health. Signs of everything from diseases to stress may show up in your bathroom habits. Learn more about vaccine availability.