What Causes Black Specks in Stool?
Black specks are small round or oval shaped particles which may appear in the stools of some individuals. They are not harmful but they do cause concern since they can indicate other diseases such as cancer. The size and shape of these specks vary from person to person, so it is difficult to say how common this condition really is. However, it is not uncommon for them to occur.
The most common cause of black specks in stool is Clostridium difficile (C. Diff). C. Diff bacteria produce toxins that kill healthy gut flora and make the colon susceptible to infection by certain types of pathogens. These infections can lead to diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever and even blood poisoning if left untreated.
Some people with C. Diff infection develop severe diarrhea and other symptoms similar to those caused by C. difficile.
Other possible causes include parasites, viruses, bacteria, food allergies, medications and environmental factors such as stress. There is no cure for C. Diff infection but there are treatment options available including antibiotics and probiotics that help restore the balance of good gut flora in the body. Probiotic supplements have been shown to reduce the risk of developing C. Diff infection in some studies.
What Are the Treatments for Black Specks in Stool?
There is no known way to prevent black specks in stool. Most doctors will advise against taking too many antibiotics since it does kill the good bacteria in your gut. This leads to an imbalance of good and bad flora that make you more susceptible to C.Diff infection.
Those who have been diagnosed with C. Diff infection are treated with specific antibiotics following a proper dosage and duration. In addition, probiotic therapy may also be prescribed to restore the good bacteria in the gut. Your doctor may perform other tests to determine the exact cause of your infection and recommend more specific treatment.
When Should You See Your Doctor?
Black specks in stool may be a sign of other serious conditions such as cancer or heart disease. This is why it is very important to seek immediate medical attention if you notice any changes in frequency, size or color of your bowel movements. A change in bowel habits that persists for more than two weeks should also be brought to your doctor’s attention. Common causes of black specks in stool can usually be treated effectively with proper medication and dietary changes.
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