Reddish Flakes In Stool. Due To Change In Diet Or Hemorrhoids?

Posted on Fri, 30 Mar 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 Answered on

Thu, 5 Jul 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : I noticed a few little red flakes in my stool. I ate chili for several days and am wondering if it could be from the pepper flakes that are not be digested? It is not loose blood because they are little specks put together like a pepper flake (which I am wondering if that is like corn in the digestion process). I have a hemorrhoid right now, but this is in my stool and not streaky.

Answered by Dr. Swapnendu Sekhar Ghosh (9 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for the query.

Based on your description, the red flakes that you see are most likely undigested food particles passed in stool.

If you have any confusion upon flushing if the red flakes do not dissolve in water, then they are usually undigested pepper flakes. Blood particles would dissolve in water but chilli flakes will remain as such.

Hope I have provided you with sufficient information and addressed your concern. Let me know if you have any other concerns.

Wish you good health.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad