Hi , I passed a bowel movement earlier and noticed what looked like little pieces of clearish plastic in my stool. They were about an inch long and about a centimeter wide. I picked them out to feel the texture, and it was a hard rubbery texture, like that of hardened glue from a glue gun. What could this possibly be?
Hello all.
Some potential explanations for the presence of rubbery or plastic-like pieces in stool could include:
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Undigested food: Sometimes, certain foods or dietary supplements can pass through the digestive system without being fully digested, leading to their appearance in the stool.
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Medication capsules: If you are taking medication that comes in capsules, the outer shell of the capsule may not fully dissolve in the digestive tract and could appear in the stool.
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Mucus: In some cases, mucus from the gastrointestinal tract can be mistaken for plastic-like material.
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Bezoar: A bezoar is a mass of undigested material that can form in the stomach or intestines. Certain substances, such as fibers or ingested foreign objects, can contribute to the formation of a bezoar.
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Ingested foreign object: Sometimes, accidental ingestion of small foreign objects could pass through the digestive system and appear in the stool.
In general, here are some possible approaches to addressing the potential causes mentioned earlier:
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Undigested food: Ensure that you are chewing your food thoroughly and maintaining a balanced diet with plenty of fiber. If you notice specific foods consistently appearing in your stool, consider discussing dietary changes with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian.
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Medication capsules: If you suspect that medication capsules are not dissolving properly, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may recommend alternative forms of medication or specific instructions on how to take the medication to improve its digestion.
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Mucus: Increased mucus in the stool can be associated with various gastrointestinal conditions. If you notice significant changes in mucus production, accompanied by other symptoms, it's essential to see a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
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Bezoar or ingested foreign object: If there is a concern about bezoar formation or accidental ingestion of foreign objects, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Depending on the situation, medical intervention may be necessary to remove any obstructions or address the underlying cause.