White Objects in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help

Stool mixed with unidentified white objects?

Hello Doctor, I noticed white objects in my stool three weeks ago.
Two weeks ago, I visited a gastroenterology clinic, and the doctor ordered a stool test.
During the sample collection, I specifically retrieved the portion with the white objects, and I also found that they were somewhat hard.
The test results showed no abnormalities (no occult blood, parasites, etc.), but this phenomenon has continued to occur.
The clinic doctor said he was unsure of the situation and suggested it might be intestinal mucus.
I didn't take a photo, but I found similar examples online: www.reddit.com/r/poop/comments/e21sjo/first_post_here_i_have_issues_with_frequent/ https://www.curezone.org/ig/i.asp?i=72999.
I would like to ask if it is possible for intestinal mucus to have a hard texture? Is it normal for this to persist for three weeks? Additionally, is there a need for a colonoscopy? Thank you.

Chao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/06

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Further observation is warranted; currently, it is believed that this is not caused by a disease.

Reply Date: 2021/09/06

More Info

When it comes to the presence of white objects in stool, it can be concerning, especially when it persists over a period of time. Based on your description, it seems that you have been experiencing this issue for about three weeks, and despite undergoing a stool examination that yielded normal results, the presence of these white objects continues to be a mystery.

The white objects you are observing could potentially be a variety of things. One possibility is that they are remnants of undigested food, particularly if your diet includes foods that may not break down completely in the digestive tract. For instance, certain fibrous foods or seeds can sometimes appear as white specks in stool. Additionally, the presence of mucus in stool can also appear white or off-white, especially if there is an increase in mucus production due to irritation or inflammation in the intestines.

Another consideration is that the white objects could be related to the shedding of intestinal lining or epithelial cells. This is a normal process, but if there is an increase in the amount of shedding, it could indicate some underlying gastrointestinal issue, such as inflammation or infection. However, since your stool tests came back normal for blood and parasites, this may be less likely.

Regarding your question about whether mucus can feel hard, it is important to note that mucus itself is typically a gel-like substance. If the white objects you are feeling are hard, they may not be mucus but rather something else, such as undigested food particles or even small fecal matter that has taken on a different texture.

As for the duration of three weeks, while it is not uncommon for changes in stool to occur due to dietary changes or gastrointestinal disturbances, persistent changes that last for several weeks warrant further investigation. If the white objects continue to appear, or if you start experiencing additional symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or weight loss, it would be advisable to seek further evaluation. A colonoscopy could be considered if there are concerns about underlying conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or other gastrointestinal disorders.

In summary, while the presence of white objects in stool can be benign, especially if there are no accompanying symptoms, it is essential to monitor the situation closely. If the issue persists or worsens, consulting with a gastroenterologist for further evaluation, including the possibility of a colonoscopy, would be a prudent step. Maintaining a detailed record of your symptoms, dietary habits, and any changes in your health can also provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.

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