Why are there grooves in the stool?
Recently, many netizens have discussed the phenomenon of "grooves in stool" on social media and health forums, which has attracted widespread attention. This condition usually refers to visible depressions or grooves in the surface of the stool and can be associated with a variety of health problems. This article will analyze this phenomenon in detail for you based on the popular discussions and medical information on the Internet in the past 10 days.
1. Common causes of grooves in stool

According to recent search data on health topics, the discussion of “groove in stool” mainly focuses on the following reasons:
| reason | Proportion | Typical symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Intestinal polyps or tumors | 35% | The groove shape is fixed and may be accompanied by bloody stools |
| hemorrhoid | 28% | Irregular grooves, pain during defecation |
| intestinal inflammation | 20% | Grooving accompanied by diarrhea or mucus |
| dietary factors | 12% | Temporary changes, no other symptoms |
| other reasons | 5% | Need further inspection |
2. Recent hot topics on the Internet
1. Increased health awareness: In the past 10 days, searches for topics related to "healthy stool shape" have increased by 120%, reflecting a significant increase in public attention to intestinal health.
2. Celebrity effect: A well-known actor mentioned regular colonoscopy in an interview, which led to a surge in discussions on the topic of "abnormal stool".
3. Clarification of medical misunderstandings: Many medical experts popularized science on the short video platform and pointed out that "there is no need to panic if a single abnormal stool occurs, but continued changes require attention" and have been widely forwarded.
3. Situations that require vigilance
According to recent online Q&A data from gastroenterologists in tertiary hospitals, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly in the following situations:
| red flag | Medical advice |
|---|---|
| Grooving lasts for more than 2 weeks | It is recommended to seek medical treatment within 3 days |
| accompanied by weight loss | It is recommended to seek medical treatment immediately |
| Blood in stool | It is recommended to seek medical treatment within 24 hours |
| Sudden change in bowel habits | It is recommended to see a doctor within 1 week |
4. Prevention and self-observation suggestions
1. Dietary adjustment: Increase dietary fiber intake. Recently, searches for “high fiber recipes” have increased by 80%.
2. Regular work and rest: maintain good bowel habits and avoid sitting for long periods of time.
3. Observation and recording: It is recommended to use the stool characteristics recording form (Bristol scale) for continuous observation for 1-2 weeks.
4. Regular screening: People over 40 years old are recommended to undergo colonoscopy every 2-3 years.
5. Expert opinions
Professor Wang from the Department of Gastroenterology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital pointed out in a recent live broadcast: "Changes in the shape of stool may be an early signal of intestinal problems, but there is no need to be overly nervous. The key is to observe whether the changes persist and pay attention to other accompanying symptoms. It is recommended to adjust the diet and observe for 1-2 weeks first, and then conduct further examinations if there is no improvement."
6. Sharing of real cases from netizens
Case 1: Mr. Zhang (32 years old), a programmer, found grooves in his stool for 2 months. The examination revealed that it was a rectal polyp. After timely removal, it returned to normal.
Case 2: Ms. Li (45 years old), a teacher, occasionally developed grooves in her stools. After examination, she was found to have mild hemorrhoids, which improved by adjusting her diet and taking a sitz bath.
Conclusion:
Changes in stool shape are indeed an important indicator of intestinal health. The recent hot discussion on the Internet reflects the increasing public health awareness, but it is also necessary to avoid over-interpretation. It is recommended to treat it rationally and seek medical treatment promptly when necessary. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular physical examinations are the keys to preventing intestinal diseases.
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