Is it normal for stool to be flat?
Oct 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Flat stools may occur when there is a higher content of water and dietary fiber in the stool, making it softer. During anal passage, such soft stools are easily deformed due to compression by the anus. This is a normal physiological phenomenon and generally does not require specific treatment. However, flat stools can also be caused by hemorrhoids or intestinal diseases, which are pathological conditions and considered abnormal.
Flat stools are generally closely related to factors such as stool water content, composition, and anorectal diseases. Therefore, this phenomenon may be either normal or abnormal.
1. Normal
Flat stools may occur when a person drinks a large amount of water or consumes abundant vegetables, fruits, and other foods rich in dietary fiber, increasing the water and fiber content in the stool and making it softer. During defecation, the soft stool may easily become flattened due to compression by the anal canal. This is a normal physiological phenomenon and usually does not require specific treatment.
2. Abnormal
Flat stools can also be caused by pathological conditions such as hemorrhoids or intestinal diseases, which represent abnormal situations. For example, patients with internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, or mixed hemorrhoids may have enlarged hemorrhoidal masses inside or outside the anus that significantly compress the passing stool, resulting in flattened stools. Additionally, patients with space-occupying lesions such as colorectal polyps or tumors may develop narrowing or obstruction of the intestinal lumen, which can alter stool shape and lead to the aforementioned changes.
