Changes in stool appearance, such as flat or narrow poop, often prompt concerns about underlying causes like hemorrhoids. Understanding factors that influence stool shape can help clarify these concerns and guide when to seek medical advice.
Understanding Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located in the lower rectum and anus, affecting about half of adults over 50. They are categorized into two main types: internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and are typically painless, though they may cause bleeding. External hemorrhoids form under the skin around the anus and can be more painful. Common symptoms include itching, irritation, and discomfort in the anal region.
Hemorrhoids and Stool Shape
Hemorrhoids are generally not a common cause of consistently flat or ribbon-like stools. The anal canal, through which stool passes, is quite flexible. However, in rare and severe instances, very large internal hemorrhoids that prolapse significantly into the anal canal could theoretically narrow the passage and temporarily alter stool shape. This might result in stool appearing thinner or flattened as it is squeezed past the swollen tissue. Any such change due to hemorrhoids is usually transient. If flat or narrow poop is a persistent occurrence, other causes are far more likely to be responsible.
Other Causes of Changes in Stool Shape
Changes in stool shape can stem from a variety of factors. Dietary habits play a significant role; a diet low in fiber or fluids can lead to smaller, less bulky stools that may appear narrower or stringy. Temporary constipation can also cause stools to be thin or hard. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that can result in varied stool appearances, including thinner, larger, or narrower stools, often accompanied by changes in consistency.
Less common causes involve physical obstructions or changes within the colon or rectum. Conditions such as anal strictures, which are narrowings of the anal canal, can force stool into a thinner shape. Growths or polyps within the colon or rectum can also create a physical barrier, molding stool as it passes and causing it to appear flat or pencil-thin. In rare instances, a tumor in the colon can narrow the intestinal passage, leading to persistently thin or flattened stools. Fecal impaction, a hard mass of stool stuck in the colon, can also cause narrower stool by partially blocking the passage.
When to Consult a Doctor
Occasional changes in stool appearance are often harmless, but persistent or concerning alterations warrant medical evaluation. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if any change in bowel habits, including stool shape, lasts longer than one to two weeks. Seek immediate medical attention if changes in stool shape are accompanied by red flag symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, severe abdominal pain, or blood in the stool. Blood can appear as bright red streaks or, if originating higher in the digestive tract, as dark or tarry stool. Other concerning symptoms include persistent diarrhea or constipation, mucus or pus in the stool, and a sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation.