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Are Strings In Stools, Bloating And Gurgling Stomach Suggestive Of Parasites?
Female, 25. A few weeks ago I started noticing many strands/strings in my stool. At first I just thought maybe it could have been something I ate but it hasn t gone away. Could it be possible that I caught some kind of parasite or could there be another cause of this? My other symptoms that might be relevant are occasional upset stomach, bloating, and frequent stomach gurgling noises and sensations.
Fri, 12 Feb 2016
Thank you for your query.
I would like to ask for a few clarifications.
1) how frequently do you see the strings in the stools?
2) could you make out the colour of the string?
3) have you travelled recently(before your symptoms started)? have you had any uncooked food (even partially cooked) or vegetables/ fruits(as salads) that been kept open or in an unhygienic environment?
4) are you on any supplements like fibre?
5) do you have any other health issues other than you intestinal symptoms?
I recommend a stool examination to look for ova, cyst or even worms and occuIt (microscopic quantity) blood . I would advise taking it atleast twice or thrice on 2 -3 different days , 2-3 days apart to identify it.
if the first sample has yielded positive results (shows signs of parasites) you don't need to get the second one
I would also advise seeing your physician to see for any complications of parasite infection like anemia.
parasites can deplete you natural stores of vitamins and you may need to take supplements.
Remember that if it is a parasite infection, you can pass it's on.
Washing your hands before and after preparing a meal, using the restroom, and going outdoors will help to prevent recurrence to yourself and spread to others.
If you are started on anti parasites, ask you doctor about what to expect. for instance, passage of worms through body orifices and in stools and other side effects, depending on what the medication and parasite is.
make sure you get this checked asap as worms can grow and cause intestinal obstruction and other complications.
hope I've helped.
please let us know if you need any clarification.
wish you good health
I would like to ask for a few clarifications.
1) how frequently do you see the strings in the stools?
2) could you make out the colour of the string?
3) have you travelled recently(before your symptoms started)? have you had any uncooked food (even partially cooked) or vegetables/ fruits(as salads) that been kept open or in an unhygienic environment?
4) are you on any supplements like fibre?
5) do you have any other health issues other than you intestinal symptoms?
I recommend a stool examination to look for ova, cyst or even worms and occuIt (microscopic quantity) blood . I would advise taking it atleast twice or thrice on 2 -3 different days , 2-3 days apart to identify it.
if the first sample has yielded positive results (shows signs of parasites) you don't need to get the second one
I would also advise seeing your physician to see for any complications of parasite infection like anemia.
parasites can deplete you natural stores of vitamins and you may need to take supplements.
Remember that if it is a parasite infection, you can pass it's on.
Washing your hands before and after preparing a meal, using the restroom, and going outdoors will help to prevent recurrence to yourself and spread to others.
If you are started on anti parasites, ask you doctor about what to expect. for instance, passage of worms through body orifices and in stools and other side effects, depending on what the medication and parasite is.
make sure you get this checked asap as worms can grow and cause intestinal obstruction and other complications.
hope I've helped.
please let us know if you need any clarification.
wish you good health
I find this answer helpful
Hi,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
I understand your concern.
The symptoms you are experiencing could be due to presence of parasites, namely worm infestation.
However, since it is difficult to come to the conclusion that this is the cause based in the symptoms alone, kindly get the following investigations done.
1. Fecalysis - stool analysis.
2. Ultrasound scan of abdomen.
Kindly consult Physician with the reports for appropriate diagnosis and management.
In case worm infestation is there, it can be treated with deworming medication according to the nature of parasite present.
Hope the information provided would be helpful.
All the best.
Thanks for posting in HCM.
I understand your concern.
The symptoms you are experiencing could be due to presence of parasites, namely worm infestation.
However, since it is difficult to come to the conclusion that this is the cause based in the symptoms alone, kindly get the following investigations done.
1. Fecalysis - stool analysis.
2. Ultrasound scan of abdomen.
Kindly consult Physician with the reports for appropriate diagnosis and management.
In case worm infestation is there, it can be treated with deworming medication according to the nature of parasite present.
Hope the information provided would be helpful.
All the best.
I find this answer helpful
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