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Why does my poop have tails?

Fiber adds bulk to stool, increasing its size. If you don't eat enough fiber or drink enough fluids, stool loses its bulk and may become thin and stringy.

healthline.com - Stringy Poop: Causes, Treatments, and More - Healthline

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Stringy poop may or may not be accompanied by other gastrointestinal symptoms, such as: 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. You can learn a lot about your health from the appearance of your stool. Stringy stool may be caused by something simple, such as a low fiber diet. In some cases, the cause is more serious.

There are several reasons your stool may be thin.

Constipation

Constipation may be caused by a low fiber diet and lack of fluids. Fiber adds bulk to stool, increasing its size. If you don’t eat enough fiber or drink enough fluids, stool loses its bulk and may become thin and stringy.

Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms that signify constipation , including:

fewer than three bowel movements a week

hard, dry, or lumpy stools

stools that are difficult or painful to pass

feeling as though not all stool has passed

Treatment

If the stringy stool is caused by constipation, drinking plenty of water and eating more fiber-rich foods should help. Some fiber-rich foods are:

bran

legumes

seeds

fresh fruits and vegetables

Increasing your fiber intake may be as simple as making a few changes to your diet. Whole grains, like bran, whole wheat, or oats, are an easy way to increase your fiber. When buying groceries, look for a whole-grain bread, pasta, or cereal. Getting your recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables can also help you increase your fiber intake. Look for fruits and vegetables with 5 or more grams of fiber. Beans are another great source of fiber. Throw beans in a salad or add them to whole-grain rice for a fiber-rich meal.

If necessary, you may also take a fiber supplement.

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Colorectal cancer

Some people may be concerned when they see stringy stool because they’ve read or been told it’s a symptom of colorectal cancer. However, the American Cancer Society says that stringy stool, as well as other symptoms of colon cancer, can be caused by noncancerous problems such as infections, hemorrhoids, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of colorectal cancer may include :

rectal bleeding

changes in bowel habits

the persistent urge to have a bowel movement

cramping in the abdomen or belly

weakness and fatigue

losing weight without trying

While many of the above symptoms may not be due to colon cancer, it’s important to be checked by a medical professional if you are experiencing them.

Treatment

Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the stage. Early-stage cancer may be resolved with minimally invasive surgery. Invasive colorectal cancer may be treated by removing part of the colon and the surrounding lymph nodes. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted drug therapy may also be used.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may cause changes in bowel habits, leading to thin stools. It may also cause mucus in your stools, which can give poop a stringy appearance. IBS is also known as a spastic colon. It is not linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other bowel conditions. Rather, IBS is defined as gastrointestinal symptoms that show up together. Symptoms appear differently in every person, including in severity and duration. However, the standard duration is at least 3 months. The exact cause of IBS is still unknown.

Symptoms

IBS symptoms aren’t always constant, and may present on an intermittent basis. As well, symptoms may resolve only to return. IBS is associated with a number of common symptoms, including :

cramping

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abdominal pain

bloating and gas

constipation

diarrhea

Treatment

Treatments for IBS are primarily focused on symptom management :

diet changes

antidepressants

probiotics

a balanced diet

anti-constipation medication

anti-cramping medications

Intestinal infections

Some intestinal infections such as salmonella, gastroenteritis, and shigellosis may cause loose stools or diarrhea. You may get one of these infections through ingesting contaminated food or water, or coming into contact with someone who is sick.

Symptoms

Intestinal infections may be marked by the following symptoms :

nausea

vomiting

fever

loss of appetite

muscle aches

dehydration

headache

mucus or blood in the stool

Treatment

If stringy poop is caused by a parasite or other infection, you may need medication to clear it up. Most parasites are treated with anti-parasitic drugs. Some are eliminated in one treatment, while others require treatment for several weeks. Salmonella and other intestinal infections often clear up on their own in several days. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antidiarrheal medications. It’s also important to drink plenty of water to replenish fluids lost due to vomiting and diarrhea. These other conditions may cause narrowing in the colon and lead to stringy stools:

fecal impaction

colon polyps

trapped abdominal hernias

anorectal strictures, or a narrowing between the rectum and anus

distended or stretched colon

twisted bowel or volvulus

Some intestinal parasites, such as giardia, may cause loose, thin stools. If you have a parasite, you may have other symptoms such as:

cramping

nausea

weight loss

fatigue

Conditions that cause inflammation in the colon, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, may cause loose, thin stools and diarrhea.

Stringy stool may also occur for no obvious reason.

When the cause of stringy poop is serious, such as a bowel obstruction or hernia, you’ll need urgent care. A combination of surgery and medication may be needed.

healthline.com - Stringy Poop: Causes, Treatments, and More - Healthline

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