Occasional blood, mucus, bloating, and a small white worm in stool – need advice - #22563
I am a 33-year-old male. For about the last 5 years, I have been having ongoing bowel and stomach-related problems. Sometimes I notice a very small amount of bright red blood in my stool. The blood appears only when my stool is hard, and it is usually on the outer surface of the stool and at the very beginning of bowel movement. When my stool is soft, there is no blood. My stool is usually soft, but sometimes the first part is hard and the rest is soft. Often the stool is not bulky and I don’t feel fully relieved after passing it, although some days it is bulky and I feel better. The color of my stool varies: sometimes brown, sometimes dark brown, sometimes light brown, and sometimes it is mixed in the same stool (half dark brown and half light brown), but it has never been black. I also sometimes notice mucus in my stool, which comes and goes, and it can be white or yellow in color. I experience bloating, frequent gas, and gurgling sounds from my stomach mostly at night, along with occasional abdominal cramps, but not all the time. Today, I saw a very small white, thread-like worm in my stool that was moving, which has made me very concerned. My height is 5 feet 7 inches and my weight has been stable between 65 and 70 kg. My appetite is slightly decreased but I eat two proper meals daily. I do not have fever, vomiting, dizziness, major fatigue, sleep problems, or weight loss, and I do not have anal itching. I would like your advice on what this could be, what tests I should do, and what treatment steps are recommended.
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Doctors’ responses
Hello dear See as per history it seems combination of both respiratory and gastric issues. Iam suggesting some tests for confirmation of exact diagnosis and best treatment. Please share the result with pulmonary surgeon or gastroenterologist for better clarity and for safety please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician. Esr Cbc Sputum Culture PCR Stomach USG Chest x ray Stool culture Colonoscopy if recommended by gastroenterologist Hopefully you recover soon Regards
Hello Ozil Thanks for describing your symptoms so clearly. The most important finding here is the small, white, thread-like moving worm in your stool. This, along with your other symptoms (mucus in stool, bloating, gas, gurgling, mild cramps), strongly suggests a parasitic intestinal worm infection—most likely a type of roundworm (such as pinworm or threadworm), which is common and treatable.
What This Means - Stool Color Changes: Variations in brown shades are usually normal and related to diet, gut transit time, or mild digestive changes. - Mucus in Stool: Can occur with mild irritation or inflammation in the gut, often seen with infections or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). - Worm in Stool: The moving, thread-like worm is a clear sign of a worm infection.
What to Do Next 1. Stool Test (Ova and Parasite Examination): - Collect a fresh stool sample and get it tested for ova (eggs) and parasites at a lab. This will confirm the type of worm.
2. Deworming Medication: - In India, a single dose of albendazole or mebendazole is commonly used for deworming. However, you should consult your doctor before starting any medication, as the exact type and dose depend on the worm identified and your health status.
3. Hygiene Measures: - Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before eating. - Keep fingernails short and clean. - Wash underwear and bed linens in hot water. - Avoid scratching the anal area, even if it itches.
4. Family Members: - Sometimes, all household members are treated together to prevent reinfection.
5. Follow-Up: - Repeat the stool test after treatment to ensure the infection is cleared.
When to See a Doctor Urgently - If you develop severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, high fever, blood in stool, or significant weight loss, see a doctor immediately.
Bottom line: Your symptoms are most likely due to a common worm infection. Get a stool test done and consult your doctor for deworming treatment. Good hygiene will help prevent recurrence.
Thank you and get well soon
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