Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Large White Particles In Stool?
Question: For the past three or four days I have noticed "largish" white spots in my stool. At first I thought it was undigested corn but I noticed this everyday for the last few days, yet I don't have corn everyday. Is this a cause for concern? I feel otherwise fine
Brief Answer:
is it mucus?
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
This could be nothing serious or it could be a sign of infection or parasite. If you have been on antibiotics lately then that puts you at risk for infection. If it does not look like mucus or a parasite then just avoid corn for the next week or so and see if it goes away. If you are sick in any way such as diarrhea, fever, nausea, then see your doctor for evaluation. If you are not sick and it goes away then it is probably not a concern.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
is it mucus?
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
This could be nothing serious or it could be a sign of infection or parasite. If you have been on antibiotics lately then that puts you at risk for infection. If it does not look like mucus or a parasite then just avoid corn for the next week or so and see if it goes away. If you are sick in any way such as diarrhea, fever, nausea, then see your doctor for evaluation. If you are not sick and it goes away then it is probably not a concern.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX It is not mucus or at least it doesn't appear to be. Some of the white spots have a crescent shape, but most are corn shaped. In mid-April I was on antibiotics for an upper respiratory infection, so maybe that might be the answer? One day last week, I had loose stool (border-line diarrhea), but I have not felt sick with fever or nausea at all. In any case I will stop eating corn for the next week or so as you suggested and take it from there.
Brief Answer:
you are welcome
Detailed Answer:
If it is turning into an infection from the antibiotics you will probably have more loose stools. In that case you would need to see a doctor for a stool sample evaluation. If the white spots disappear after you remove the corn it is probably that and I would not worry about it. If they persist but you don't develop diarrhea or any other symptoms it could be a parasite so that too would need a stool evaluation.
Regards and thanks for using Healthcare Magic
Dr. Robinson
you are welcome
Detailed Answer:
If it is turning into an infection from the antibiotics you will probably have more loose stools. In that case you would need to see a doctor for a stool sample evaluation. If the white spots disappear after you remove the corn it is probably that and I would not worry about it. If they persist but you don't develop diarrhea or any other symptoms it could be a parasite so that too would need a stool evaluation.
Regards and thanks for using Healthcare Magic
Dr. Robinson
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
