Concerns About Possible Intestinal Parasites
Greetings everyone. I’m a 28-year-old female and recently, during my morning bowel movement, I came across some white, thread-like structures. I will share a picture in the comments for reference. Currently, I am prescribed fluvoxamine, bupropion, and lamotrigine to manage my anxiety, depression, and OCD. Additionally, I take levothyroxine to address my Hashimoto's disease and hypothyroidism. Over the past few months, I have been experiencing considerable appetite loss, although I haven’t noted any other serious symptoms. Can anyone shed some light on what this might be? Thank you in advance!
Answers (1)
6/29/2025, 3:20:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about the presence of unusual white, thread-like structures in your stool, especially given your current health conditions and medications. These could be indicative of intestinal parasites, but they might also stem from other non-parasitic causes.
Explanation
Intestinal parasites can sometimes appear as thin, white strands in stool, such as pinworms or tapeworm segments. However, other possibilities, like undigested food, mucus, or fiber, could also cause similar appearances. Accompanying symptoms like appetite loss can be attributed to several factors, including your mental health conditions or even medication effects.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close watch on any additional symptoms like changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, or weight loss. Documenting these changes can be helpful.
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Diet and Hydration: Ensure you're eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated. Eating foods rich in fiber can help with digestion and may clear up any mild irritation.
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Consult a Healthcare Provider: Given the presence of these structures and your ongoing appetite loss, it is important to have a discussion with a healthcare professional soon. Consider bringing a stool sample, if advised, to aid in diagnosis.
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Review Medications: Talk to your provider about the possibility that your appetite loss could be related to your current medications. They might adjust dosages or suggest alternatives.
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Avoid Self-Diagnosis: While waiting for your appointment, it's important to avoid jumping to conclusions or self-medicating. Accurate diagnosis is key.
Stay aware of your body and make note of any new developments. Don't hesitate to seek help, especially if you feel your symptoms worsen. You're taking important steps by reaching out for advice!
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