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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Thin And Stringy Bowel Movements?

I am a 63 yr old African American woman. I have no major health issues (thank God). I try to eat two healthy, low fat, balanced meals and a snack or two daily. I seldom eat beef and pork. I do need to increase my fruit intake but I more than eat enough veggies. I take multi-vitamins but I do skip some days. I have had very soft, loose stools for several months now, so I began to take Metamucil fairly frequent. Good results. I had an unusual stool yesterday. I was surprised to see some thin, stringy pieces, 3-5 inches long, with what looked like flattened pods attached along the length. It alarmed me. Prompts my question: Could this be parasites, worms? If so, what kind?
posted on Sat, 28 Jun 2014
Twitter Mon, 5 Dec 2016 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 6 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on
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Dentist,  's  Response
Thanks for contacting healthcare magic.

You have problem of thin and string stool that may be because low fiber food or lack of water intake.
If this problem is more than one week and other abdominal problems present than consent a gastroenterologist for further diagnosis.

Intestinal infection of parasitic like giardia cause thin stool problem. Bacterial infection of Colon also cause this type of symptoms. Stool examination test is helpful.

Celiac disease may cause abdominal problems after eating gluten foods. Long time history of change in consistency of stool may be because of irritable bowel syndrome.

Consent a gastroenterologist for further diagnosis.
Stool sample test helpful to detect parasitic infection. Colonoscopy can done for further diagnosis.

I hope my guidance is helpful to you..
Take care.
Thank you.
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What Causes Thin And Stringy Bowel Movements?

Thanks for contacting healthcare magic. You have problem of thin and string stool that may be because low fiber food or lack of water intake. If this problem is more than one week and other abdominal problems present than consent a gastroenterologist for further diagnosis. Intestinal infection of parasitic like giardia cause thin stool problem. Bacterial infection of Colon also cause this type of symptoms. Stool examination test is helpful. Celiac disease may cause abdominal problems after eating gluten foods. Long time history of change in consistency of stool may be because of irritable bowel syndrome. Consent a gastroenterologist for further diagnosis. Stool sample test helpful to detect parasitic infection. Colonoscopy can done for further diagnosis. I hope my guidance is helpful to you.. Take care. Thank you.