2024-04-08 03:36:08
Narrow, pen-like or ribbon-like stools can be a sign of oncological disease.
But if it’s not a constant sight on the toilet, loose stools can be a sign of simple constipation, or they can indicate chronic digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
If you see blood on the toilet paper, this is a sign that you need to see a doctor immediately. Often, people ignore this symptom and think that they have hemorrhoids. However, blood in the stool can also be a sign of Crohn’s disease or colon cancer.
“Very often insufficient attention is paid to the appearance of blood in the stool. People “write it off” for hemorrhoids, other trivial reasons. Yes those (inflammatory bowel disease, ed. note) diseases are diagnosed a year, two, sometimes even five years after the onset of clinical symptoms.
I would like to invite people who have one or other complaints of the digestive tract to seek a diagnosis without delay, not on their own, but together with professional doctors”, previously said the doctor of the Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Dietology Center of the Vilnius Santaras Clinics, Assoc. Goda Sadauskaite.
Cancer cases are on the rise
You should not be alarmed by the narrow shape of the stool. This usually means constipation, when having a bowel movement less than three times a week or going to the toilet causes pain.
Insufficient amount of dietary fiber, lack of fluids and irregular physical activity are the most common causes of constipation.
But UK-based non-profit Fight Colorectal Cancer warns that loose stools can also be a sign of a chronic disorder that causes abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and constipation.
It can also mean diverticular disease of the large intestine, which causes pouches to form in the walls of the intestine, causing inflammation and narrowing of the intestines.
Other signs of diverticular disease: pain in the lower left side of the abdomen, changes in bowel habits, unpleasant symptoms that worsen after eating and improve after bowel movements, pain that worsens with pressure on the stomach.
Also, Fight Colorectal Cancer points out that loose stools can indicate an obstruction, such as a tumor, in the bowel.
“Usually infrequent narrow stools are not a cause for concern. However, if you notice ribbon-like stools for more than a week, see your doctor,” the charity says.
She also warns that “any rectal bleeding is not normal, so you need to find out why you’re seeing blood in the toilet.”
Blood in the stool is a common symptom of colon cancer, which is increasing worldwide, especially among adults under the age of 50.
It is believed that by 2030 the incidence of the disease in young people will double and colon cancer will become the leading cause of cancer death in people under the age of 50.
It is reasonable According to JAMA Surgery: it was determined that from 2010 to 2030 Colon cancer cases among 20-34 year olds will increase by 90%.
It is estimated that in 2023 about 153 thousand were identified. new cases of colon cancer, of which 19.5 thousand – among people under 50 years of age.
What does the abundance of gas indicate?
Stools covered in white or yellow mucus can also indicate Crohn’s disease or salmonellosis.
Sometimes people complain that bowel movements are accompanied by intense gas.
Gas can increase after any sudden dietary change, such as adding foods like broccoli, beans, and lentils to your diet. Lactose can also cause excessive gas.
“Floating” stools may be associated with a lack of bile. It is produced by the liver to filter out waste products such as toxins and excess cholesterol.
Too little bile in the stool can be a sign of bile acid malabsorption. When bile is not properly absorbed, a chemical imbalance occurs that can eventually lead to diarrhea.
Bristol stool chart
The Bristol stool chart is used by doctors to assess a patient’s bowel function. Feces are divided into 7 types. Here are their descriptions and possible meanings.
1. type. Rabbit buns. Small round granules that are difficult to expel. It means that you are suffering from constipation.
2. type. Bunch of grapes. Sausage-shaped stools made up of clumps. May indicate mild constipation. Drink more water and choose foods rich in fiber.
3. type. Corn. Sausage-shaped feces with cracks on the surface. Such stools are normal.
4. type. Sausage. It resembles a sausage or a snake, the feces are soft, their surface is smooth. These are normal stools that should occur at least every 3 days.
5. type. Chicken steaks. Feces resemble soft spots with clear edges. They are easy to push out. It is a normal stool if it occurs less than twice a day. If you notice them, it would be good to add more fiber-rich foods to your diet.
Type 6. Porridge. Feces resemble loose pieces. This already means mild diarrhea. Tip: Drink plenty of water.
Type 7. Sauce. The stool is completely liquid. This indicates diarrhea.
Based on information from dailymail.co.uk.
2024-04-08 03:36:08