Why White Specks Show Up in Poop
Medically reviewed by Robert Burakoff, MDMedically reviewed by Robert Burakoff, MDStools can come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. When there are white specks in the stool it is often from undigested food. It can also be an undigested pill or an intestinal parasite.This article will discuss all the causes and their details. It will also cover treatment options for finding white specks in stool.
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Causes of White Specks in PoopThere are a few causes of white specks in poop. Below covers those causes and provides details.FoodUndigested pieces of food can appear as white specks in stool. It might be from undigested seeds, vegetables, or nuts. The hard outer shell of seeds and nuts can be hard to break down and move through the digestive system as a whole.Seeds, vegetables, and nuts are insoluble fiber. The intestines have a hard time digesting the insoluble fiber that helps promote bulk to the stools.ParasitesTapeworms and pinworms can be found as small white specks in stool. The worms, pieces of the worms, or their eggs can look like tiny bits or threads. They may cause itching around the anus, especially at night. Other symptoms associated with parasites are diarrhea, stomach pain, and unexplained weight loss.MedicationsUndigested pills and medications can move through the digestive system and appear in the stool as small, white specks. When this happens, the medication has been digested but the outer casing or shell of the medicine was not digested. This happens more often with extended-release medications that are formulated to deliver the medication slowly.White Specks in Stool From Parasites vs. IBSIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that causes abdominal pain, bloating, and stool changes. People with IBS can have mucus in their stool that looks white. The white specks from a parasite will be very small and will not appear with food changes.Another concern some people have is fat in the stool. This is known as steatorrhea. Steatorrhea does not present with white specks in the stool. The stool is lighter colored, pale brown or yellow, and greasy looking. People who have steatorrhea are not absorbing fat properly and may have a malabsorption condition.Testing to Rule Out ParasitesIf you suspect you have intestinal parasites, you should contact a healthcare provider for testing. The provider will ask a series of questions that can include:Any recent travelCurrent medicationsRecent weight lossDigestive changesAbdominal painA fecal test is used to identify certain parasites. The stool sample needs to be obtained when someone is not taking antibiotics or on an antidiarrheal medication. There may need to be more than one stool sample taken.Another diagnostic method for detecting pinworms is applying tape to the anus and then looking at the tape under a microscope for parasite eggs. Untreated Parasite SymptomsIf an intestinal parasite infection goes untreated it can lead to several unpleasant symptoms. These symptoms include:DiarrheaNausea and vomitingItching or rash around the anusWeight lossFatigueStomach pain
With a Negative TestIf a parasite test comes back negative it could be that there is no intestinal parasite present, or it could be a false negative, meaning the condition is present but the test did not detect it.Not having a diagnosis can be difficult, so it's important to continue looking for answers. Ask the healthcare provider if it would be beneficial to redo the test or if there are other tests available. GI-MAP TestingA comprehensive testing tool for stool called GI-MAP can detect bacteria, such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), intestinal parasites, and fungi. There is limited research on this test, but one study from 2020 reported that GI-MAP testing sensitivity was 80% but had a specificity of only 26% due to false-positive results.
How to Get Rid of White Poop SpecksThe treatment for white poop specks will vary based on the cause. Many times, the white specks are caused by undigested food which do not need to be treated.When the white specks are from medications, treatment is not necessary. However, if you notice white specks and suspect your medication is not digesting properly, bring this to your prescribing provider's attention.White specks caused by a parasitic infection are treated with oral medications. One example is that Biltricide (praziquantel), which treats tapeworm infections. Other members of the household may also need to be treated. It's important to perform good handwashing during and after treatment to prevent reinfection.Keeping Track of Food and Pooping PatternsChanges in bowel movements can be difficult to track. Keeping a diary of bowel movements can help you and your healthcare provider find trends to determine a cause.To keep a stool diary, use the Bristol Stool Chart to assess each bowel movement. Other information to keep in the diary include:Food and liquid intakeExerciseMedicationsIncontinenceUrgencyWho Is Most Likely to See White Specks in Poop?White specks in poop can be a normal finding when it is undigested seeds, nuts, or some medications. However, it can be a sign of a parasite infection.To avoid a parasite infection make sure to:Wash hands before preparing food, eating, and after using the bathroom.Drink only filtered water.Wash fruits and vegetables before consuming.Deworm cats and dogs.Do not walk barefoot in high-risk areas.Do not eat undercooked pork, beef, or freshwater fish.SummaryWhite specks in stool are usually from undigested seeds or nuts. They also could be from an undigested pill casing or from an intestinal parasite. It's important to contact a healthcare provider if you are unsure of the cause. They will likely request a stool sample for testing to help determine the cause. Treatment will vary based on the cause but could include an oral medication. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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