Could an Insect in the Toilet Be the Answer to My Brother's IBS?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the claim made by a participant's brother that he found an insect resembling a silverfish or earwig in the toilet after experiencing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Participants explore the possibility of an insect surviving inside the human body, the implications of such a claim, and related health concerns.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that it is impossible for an insect to survive inside the human body, suggesting that it must have been in the toilet prior to the brother's use.
  • Others propose that an insect could potentially survive in feces until it is expelled, although this view is not universally accepted.
  • A participant mentions that intestinal worms have been shown to potentially alleviate symptoms of IBS, suggesting a different avenue of inquiry for the brother's condition.
  • Concerns are raised about the hygiene of the bathroom and the presence of insects, with suggestions to check for infestations.
  • Some participants question the plausibility of the brother's claim, citing the need for the insect to have been swallowed whole and the challenges it would face in the digestive system.
  • Humorous remarks are made about the situation, including references to other unusual claims and the potential for the insect to lay eggs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the possibility of an insect surviving inside the body. Multiple competing views remain regarding the plausibility of the brother's claim and the implications for his health.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions about insect survival, digestive processes, and the nature of IBS. Some claims about health implications and treatments are presented without resolution or consensus.

LuckyFish
My first post! Okay...this is going to sound really weird. My 32 year-old brother is CONVINCED there was an insect inside of him (not to be too graphic..but he found it in the toilet, after using). He said it resembled a silverfish or earwig and was alive. I say this is impossible...it had to have been in the toilet before. He has had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for about 3 years now...and is convinced he has 'found his answer'! He even has a Dr.'s appointment scheduled to confirm this! I think he has lost his mind, and will certainly waste his money...not to mention embarrass himself. There is no way this is possible...is it?
Thanx, in advance, for any sincere replies.
:)LuckyFish
 
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Thanx for reply, Adam! Yes...he's having all that checked. But my main question is about the bug!...whether or not that is physically possible. I say an insect cannot survive inside the body. Worms (yuk), yes, but not a 'healthy
six-legged insect! What do you think?
Thanx again, Mate!
:)LuckyFish
 
LuckyFish said:
Thanx for reply, Adam! Yes...he's having all that checked. But my main question is about the bug!...whether or not that is physically possible. I say an insect cannot survive inside the body. Worms (yuk), yes, but not a 'healthy
six-legged insect! What do you think?
Thanx again, Mate!
:)LuckyFish

It can survive unfortunately. The waste would actually perserve the insect until it 'came out'. Check it but I think it is possible. Nothing to worry about however. The insect is too small to do any damage really.

The Bob (2004 ©)
 
LOL, i hate to laugh at IBS but has anyone seen the Ladykillers?

Dont want to stray off topic though.
 
Welcome to PF!

He doesn't even consider the fact that the insect crawled into the bowl during the night?

Occams razor.

Paraphrased:
When presented with two possibilities, the simpler one is usually the truth.
 
This actually belongs in the biology forum. Um, no I don't think the story is possible, or has he visited any exotic countries and picked up some tropical bug? The thing he should do is check his feces for bugs, if they're in there, they'll come out. That is what the doctor will ask: a sample to send to the lab, they won't do a colonoscopy.

Interestingly you mention irritable bowel syndrome: recently researchers found out that having worms in the bowel quesces the inflamatory reaction associated with the IBS. They've actually done clinical trials feeding patients with worm eggs, that hatch in the bowel and go through a single life cycle (they can't reproduce so the egg eating should be repeated once in a while). Maybe he should inquiry about the option. (I'm not joking.)
 
While you're on the topic of beasties in your body...
...did you know that you swallow around 8 spiders a year?

You most probably did :rolleyes:
 
I think you should be more worried about having an exterminator take a look at the bathroom if you have silverfish landing in the toilet...they live in moist places, so a nice steamy bathroom, or one with a water leak and rotting wood somewhere is an ideal habitat. You may need to check out the Home Improvement thread rather than the Biology forum...unless you need the insect identified! If it was an insect and not a worm of some sort, it wouldn't have been living inside him, certainly not years. But, if he has irritable bowel syndrome (or similar symptoms), it's probably worth the visit to the doctor anyway, though you just know the doctor is going to have a hard time keeping a straight face when he explains about the bug in the toilet.
 
  • #10
I recommend a Raid Suppository.
 
  • #11
Ha, i must be sad and stupid to laugh at the adverts at the top of the page, lol.
 
  • #12
Andy said:
Ha, i must be sad and stupid to laugh at the adverts at the top of the page, lol.

Which one? They keep on changing. :confused:

The Bob (2004 ©)
 
  • #13
BUGS live in sewers
very eazy for them to climb up into a toilet-bowl from the sewerline
pop any manhole to check

or if not on a sewer line bugs can come down the stack vents

but it DIDNOT come out of him

tooo many years as a surveyor for a water&sewer dept
 
  • #15
A frog? Blummin eck! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
 
  • #16
Luckyfish,
If your brother had found intestinal worms I could believe it, but Silverfish or Earwig I’d have to see to believe. It seems he would have needed to swallow it whole (doesn’t he chew his food prior to swallowing?). Surviving lack of oxygen might be one problem, bathing in stomach acid another. Being encased in feces wouldn’t happen until further down the digestive tract…

Did I ever tell about the time I used a pliers to attempt pulling an intestinal worm the diameter of your thumb out of a cow’s behind? Yes, about 20” was already hanging out and the ‘skin’ was clear, allowing you to see some yellow twisty guttyworks. It was freakish, but my regret was when the body snapped in half and soaked me with an amount of juicy worm-stuff. :eek: :biggrin:
 
  • #17
Lets just hope it doesn't lay eggs inside of your brother!
 
  • #18
Entropy said:
Lets just hope it doesn't lay eggs inside of your brother!

Not nice, but they will clean his insides out. :wink:

The Bob (2004 ©)
 
  • #19
vix43 said:
While you're on the topic of beasties in your body...
...did you know that you swallow around 8 spiders a year?

You most probably did :rolleyes:

Ack, I thought that statistic was 8 spiders in a lifetime. If it is 8 spiders a year, that makes me much more arachnophobic than I already am!
 
  • #20
motai said:
Ack, I thought that statistic was 8 spiders in a lifetime. If it is 8 spiders a year, that makes me much more arachnophobic than I already am!

I thought it was in a lifetime as well.

The Bob (2004 ©)
 

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