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Suggest Treatment For IBS And Fungal Infection

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Posted on Mon, 24 Jul 2017
Question: I have been diagnosed with IBS for the last 5 years. Although no tests were completed other then a stool sample which came back fine. For the last month I have been seeing white specs in my stools. I thought this may have been undigested food like seeds or oats which I've started eating again. However today I also passed a stool with the white specs and about an inch of brown paper like substance. I thought this may have been old tomato skins but I investigated and was like tough paper or skin and was able to tear as it was dry enough. Does this sound like a parasite or something that should be investigated further. I live in Australia where they say tapeworm is rare. However I was in the US and Canada for 7 weeks last July/ Aug.
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Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Send stools for ova and parasite

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

White specs are usually shed intestine skin or fungal infection. However ova and parasites can also be infested during travels. Parasitic infestations can cause significant weight loss. I suggest that you get stool sample evaluated for ova and parasite.

Ova and parasites can easily be treated with anti-helminthic medicine like mebendazole.

For fungal infection, if its not troubling then it can be left alone. Anti-fungal medicines can have side effects.

Drink cleaner water preferably from filtered by reverse osmosis technique. Take hygienic and well cooked food. Avoid meat and other non-veg foods as they maybe source of parasites.

Hope it helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Dr. Vaishalee Punj

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 3262 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For IBS And Fungal Infection

Brief Answer: Send stools for ova and parasite Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for your query. White specs are usually shed intestine skin or fungal infection. However ova and parasites can also be infested during travels. Parasitic infestations can cause significant weight loss. I suggest that you get stool sample evaluated for ova and parasite. Ova and parasites can easily be treated with anti-helminthic medicine like mebendazole. For fungal infection, if its not troubling then it can be left alone. Anti-fungal medicines can have side effects. Drink cleaner water preferably from filtered by reverse osmosis technique. Take hygienic and well cooked food. Avoid meat and other non-veg foods as they maybe source of parasites. Hope it helps. Let me know if I can assist you further. Dr Vaishalee