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Narrow Stool IBS

Changes in the frequency of bowel movements and in stool form and consistency are a recognised feature of IBS but they can also be an indication of more serious health problems. Take narrow stools for example, in some cases very thin stools can indicate narrowing or obstruction of the colon or even colon cancer but narrow stools can also be a symptom of IBS which is not a serious health problem in itself. As such, an accurate diagnosis is essential.

So what is IBS?

IBS can be described as a functional disorder of the digestive tract and is the most common complaint seen by gastroenterologists today. It is characterised by changes in the frequency of bowel movements and in stool from and consistency. No two people will experience IBS in the same way. For some it may mean infrequent bowel movements, constipation and the painful passing of hard, dry stools. Others may find that their most predominant symptom is frequent diarrhoea and thin watery stools. There are also those that experience alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhoea.

Due to the wide variation of symptoms and the fact that these same symptoms can be an indication of other health problems, IBS is usually diagnosed when there is no other identifiable cause of the symptoms and the digestive tract appears normal in that there are no structural abnormalities that are causing the symptoms. There are no tests specifically to identify IBS although tests may be done in order to rule out other potential causes.

What exactly are the symptoms of IBS?

The symptoms of IBS vary from person to person and not everyone will experience all the symptoms, nor will they experience them to the same degree. The most common symptoms reported by IBS sufferers are as follows:

Constipation – less than 3 bowel movements a week could be a result of too little fibre in the diet
Diarrhoea – more than 3 bowel movements a day
Alternating constipation and diarrhoea
Abdominal spasms, pain and bloating
A feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement
Relief from pain after a bowel movement
Excessive gas
Mucous in the stools
Changes in the shape size and consistency of stools, for example small hard pellet-like stools or narrow stools

Important

Although IBS is non life threatening and does not lead to other more serious conditions, if you experience any significant changes in your bowel movements, particularly if these changes are accompanied by pain, vomiting, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, bleeding, or pencil thin stools, speak to your doctor for a full health check as soon as possible.