Are you experiencing thin stool and gas? It is surely not a pleasant experience to have bowel issues, but you should stay alert if you are having these issues. While an unusual or thin bowel is not that big a deal, it does need medical attention in some cases. So, what causes these narrow stools? From IBS to the side effects of medications, there are multiple factors that might be responsible for thin stool and gas. Keep reading to know the possible causes!
Reasons You Have Thin Stool and Gas
You have narrow stools when the poop looks long and pencil-thin, unlike the normal rounded appearance it has. If you are experiencing thin stools, you may have to strain, and it might be harder to pass. Other symptoms, including weight loss, abdominal pain, bloating, and blood in the stool may make an appearance, depending on the cause.
Here are some causes of thin stool and gas:
- Constipation
The thin stool might be an indication of constipation. Stools tend to pass slowly through the intestines when you are “backed up.” When this happens, the intestines absorb more water from the stool, and it becomes even harder to pass. Hence, the thin amount of stool might be able to pass through due to constipation. You should visit your doctor for prescriptions and tips to eliminate the condition faster. Apart from this, you can increase the fiber in your diet and stay hydrated to ease your discomfort. - Hemorrhoids
The thin stool might be due to internal hemorrhoids or swollen and inflamed veins that form in the rectum or anus without extending to the outside of your body. Hemorrhoids may cause the stool to transform into a narrow shape when it exists. Moreover, you may also notice blood on or in the poop due to rectal bleeding. Visit a credible healthcare provider for hemorrhoid treatment, which might include:- Increased water intake
- Fiber consumption
- Surgery
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS
If you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, it may cause the size and shape of your stool to change. When you go through periods of stress, it might result in narrow stools. Other than thin stool and gas, you’ll have constipation, gas, bloating, and pain related to bowel movement.
You can treat IBS with dietary and lifestyle changes, which include no trigger foods, foods with high-fiber content, drinking lots of fluids, and even medication. Your healthcare provider or doctor will be able to suggest adequate treatments. - Medications
You may be taking medications that slow the movement of the intestines, resulting in narrow stools. As a result, Constipation or fecal impaction can take place, which leads to thin stool. Talk to your doctor about the potential ways to deal with this situation. - Fecal Impaction
Fecal impaction is quite familiar to constipation, only more significant. What happens in this condition is that a lump of dry stool is usually stuck at the bottom area of the colon, also known as the rectum. Consequently, waste is unable to move through normally, and only thin stool passes. The treatment for this phenomenon might involve removing the stuck stool present in the rectum, which might be done by inserting a well-lubricated and gloved hand to insert one or two fingers into the affected portion. This works by breaking the stool for removal.
Takeaway
So, if you have a thin stool and gas, there are many reasons why. These include constipation, IBS, fecal impaction, and more. At Gastroenterology Diagnostic Center, we have trained specialists who can help with your stomach issues and more. Dial (281) 357 1977 to get treated today, or meet us at 421 School St., Suite 110, Tomball, TX 77375.