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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Narrow Stools
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Narrow Stools
by artd, Oct 04, 2005 12:00AM
I have had narrow stools off and on now for about 4 years. I have discussed this with a doctor about 3 to 4 years ago who did not seem overly concerned stating I do not fit the profile of a colon cancer patient. She seemed to believe that my stools are narrow because they are soft. So may question is “what causes soft stools?”
The soft stools are also causing chaffing because it takes quite an effort to clean after a bowel movement. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
I am 55 and am scheduled to have a colonoscopy in a few weeks, but the more information I have the better.
The soft stools are also causing chaffing because it takes quite an effort to clean after a bowel movement. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
I am 55 and am scheduled to have a colonoscopy in a few weeks, but the more information I have the better.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Oct 05, 2005 12:00AM
, Oct 05, 2005 12:00AM
At age 55, a colonoscopy should be done even if you are without symptoms.
That being said, any change in stool shape or caliber needs to be evaluated for polyps or colon cancer. A colonoscopy would be the best test to evaluate for these possibilities.
Other considerations would be inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome. The colonoscopy would also evaluate for the former disease. If all the tests are non-revealing, you can consider treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. Changes in diet can also be considered to change the softness of the stools.
These options can be discussed with your gastroenterologist.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
That being said, any change in stool shape or caliber needs to be evaluated for polyps or colon cancer. A colonoscopy would be the best test to evaluate for these possibilities.
Other considerations would be inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome. The colonoscopy would also evaluate for the former disease. If all the tests are non-revealing, you can consider treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. Changes in diet can also be considered to change the softness of the stools.
These options can be discussed with your gastroenterologist.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
Member Comments
by Rockgod143, May 27, 2008 11:50AM
A related discussion, 34 with narroe stools,what my problem was started.
