So, you had a big night out and decided to celebrate by heading over to Chipotle for some well-deserved munchies. There’s nothing wrong with being a little indulgent after celebrating the whole night. It’s the next morning you should be worried about. Sitting on your throne in the bathroom and squatting hard is the least favorite thing you would want to be doing, but it’s something that you should expect. But you might expect some flat poop.
Most people hardly ever look at their poop once they’re done, and why would they? It’s gross! However, what you didn’t know is that changes in the shape, structure, and texture of your poop can tell a lot about your health. If your stool has a subtle pencil-like form, it could mean you have an underlying health condition.
The ribbon-shaped feces can be caused by a mass present in the colon or the rectum and limit the size of the stool, which can be a big sign of cancer or colorectal polyps.
What Diseases are Associated with Flat Poop?
Several diseases are linked with flat poop, including some of the following:
- Rectal ulcers
- Prostate cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Constipation
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Anal fissures
- Crohn’s disease
- BPH
- Hemorrhoids
- Ulcerative colitis
It’s important to remember that these aren’t the only conditions that are associated with a flat poop structure, and it’s recommended that you should consult with your doctor if symptoms persist.
What Is the Remedy for Flat Poop?
Currently, there are no known remedies for flat poop, and it’s generally regarded as a sign that the individual must undergo diagnostic tests and seek specialized care to rule out a serious condition.
When Should You Contact Your Doctor?
If you’ve noticed that your stool is flat sporadically, you don’t need to get worked up about it and look to get emergency medical care. Most of the time, it is only due to your diet, but you should communicate your concern to your doctor if the condition lasts for longer than three days.
It’s advised to resort to emergency care if the problem is associated with the following:
- Dark stools
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- High fever
- Blood, mucus, or pus in the stool
- Prolonged blockage of defecation (constipation)
The treatment plan for flat poop depends on the cause, and if it’s not a regular occurrence, you have nothing to worry about as you don’t require treatment for an underlying condition.
Conclusion
Most people will experience flat poop at some point in their lives, and generally, the outlook is good. When the condition is sporadic and you don’t notice any other symptoms, you have nothing to worry about as it will resolve itself shortly.
When flat poop is caused by a serious condition, your outlook depends on how quickly you receive care and the extent of the damage. In most cases, dietary changes, surgery, medication, and good aftercare would successfully resolve most symptoms.
When it comes to poop, it’s important that you know what is normal for you, and if you’ve never had a flat poop before and suddenly have it regularly, you should get in touch with your doctor.
