What do different poop colors indicate. How can stool changes signal health issues. When should you be concerned about your bowel movements. What causes variations in feces appearance.

The Spectrum of Stool Colors: What Your Poop Is Telling You

The color of your stool can provide valuable insights into your health. While brown is considered the typical hue, variations in color are common and often harmless. However, certain shades may indicate underlying health issues that require attention.

Brown: The Healthy Hue

Medium to dark brown stool is generally a sign of good health. This color results from the presence of bilirubin, a pigment formed during the breakdown of red blood cells. Brown poop typically indicates that your digestive system is functioning normally.

Black: Potential Cause for Concern

Black stools, especially those with a tarry appearance, may suggest gastrointestinal bleeding. However, certain foods and medications can also cause black poop. These include:

• Iron supplements
• Black licorice
• Black stout
• Bismuth medications

If you notice persistent black stools without an obvious dietary cause, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

White or Pale: Liver or Gallbladder Issues?

White, gray, or pale stools may indicate a problem with the liver or gallbladder. These organs are responsible for producing bile, which gives stool its characteristic brown color. Pale stools suggest a lack of bile in the digestive system. Some antidiarrheal medications can also cause white stools.

Green: Diet or Digestive Speed

Green poop can result from consuming green foods like spinach or kale. However, it may also indicate that food is moving through the digestive tract too quickly, preventing the breakdown of bile. This can lead to a greenish hue in the stool.

Red: Bleeding or Beets?

Red-colored stool can be alarming, as it may indicate lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Small amounts of blood in the stool can also be a sign of hemorrhoids. However, consuming red foods like beets, red berries, or tomato juice can also turn poop red. If the red color persists after these foods have passed through your system, it’s best to seek medical advice.

Orange: Beta-Carotene or Bile Ducts?

Orange stools often result from eating foods rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and winter squash. However, blocked bile ducts or certain medications, including some antacids and antibiotics like rifampin, can also cause orange poop.

Yellow: Too Much Fat?

Yellow or greasy-looking stools may indicate excess fat content. This could result from issues with fat absorption or difficulties in producing enzymes or bile. Persistent yellow stools warrant a discussion with a healthcare provider.

The Bristol Stool Chart: A Guide to Poop Consistency

The Bristol Stool Chart, developed by doctors at the Bristol Royal Infirmary in England, provides a visual guide to different types of poop based on consistency. This chart categorizes stool into seven types:

1. Separate hard lumps, like nuts (hard to pass)
2. Sausage-shaped, but lumpy
3. Like a sausage but with cracks on its surface
4. Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft
5. Soft blobs with clear-cut edges (passed easily)
6. Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool
7. Watery, no solid pieces, entirely liquid

Types 1 and 2 indicate constipation, while types 3 and 4 are considered healthy stools. Types 5 through 7 suggest diarrhea and urgency.

Characteristics of Healthy Bowel Movements

Understanding what constitutes a normal, healthy bowel movement can help you identify potential issues. Here are some key characteristics of healthy poop:

• Color: Medium to dark brown
• Odor: Strong-smelling due to bacterial gases
• Texture: Soft to firm
• Shape: Long and sausage-like, possibly in one piece or a few smaller pieces
• Frequency: Once or twice daily, at least three times per week
• Duration: 10-15 minutes to pass
• Ease: Painless and requiring minimal strain

It’s important to note that “normal” can vary from person to person. However, consistency in your own bowel habits is key. Any significant changes in smell, firmness, frequency, or color that persist for more than a few days may warrant attention.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Stool Changes

While occasional variations in stool appearance are usually not cause for concern, certain changes may indicate underlying health issues that require medical attention. Here are some situations that warrant a consultation with a healthcare provider:

• Persistent changes in stool color lasting more than two weeks
• Black or red stools not explained by diet or medications
• White, gray, or pale stools
• Persistent diarrhea or constipation
• Excessive straining during bowel movements
• Pain or bleeding during defecation
• Unexplained weight loss accompanying stool changes
• Persistent greasy or fatty stools

These symptoms could indicate various conditions, from minor digestive issues to more serious problems like inflammatory bowel disease, infections, or even colorectal cancer. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing these conditions effectively.

Factors Influencing Stool Appearance and Consistency

Several factors can affect the appearance and consistency of your stool. Understanding these can help you identify potential causes of changes in your bowel movements:

Diet

What you eat plays a significant role in determining the characteristics of your stool. High-fiber foods can lead to bulkier, softer stools, while low-fiber diets may result in harder, smaller stools. Certain foods can also affect stool color, as mentioned earlier.

Hydration

Adequate water intake is crucial for maintaining proper stool consistency. Dehydration can lead to harder, more difficult-to-pass stools, while excessive fluid intake may result in looser stools.

Physical Activity

Regular exercise can promote healthy bowel movements by stimulating the digestive system and reducing transit time through the intestines.

Medications

Various medications can affect stool appearance and consistency. For example, iron supplements can cause dark stools, while some antibiotics may lead to diarrhea.

Stress

Psychological stress can have a significant impact on digestive function, potentially leading to changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation.

Medical Conditions

Numerous health conditions can affect stool characteristics, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), celiac disease, and thyroid disorders.

Maintaining Healthy Bowel Function: Tips and Strategies

Promoting regular, healthy bowel movements is an important aspect of overall health. Here are some strategies to help maintain optimal digestive function:

Dietary Recommendations

• Consume adequate fiber: Aim for 25-30 grams of fiber daily from sources like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support proper stool consistency.
• Limit processed foods: These often contain low fiber and may contribute to constipation.
• Incorporate probiotic-rich foods: Yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables can support gut health.

Lifestyle Habits

• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
• Manage stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
• Establish a regular bathroom routine: Try to have bowel movements at consistent times each day.
• Don’t ignore the urge: Postponing bowel movements can lead to constipation.

When to Consider Supplements

In some cases, supplements may be beneficial for maintaining healthy bowel function. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. Some options to discuss include:

• Fiber supplements: For those struggling to meet dietary fiber needs
• Probiotics: To support gut health and regular bowel movements
• Magnesium: May help alleviate constipation in some individuals

Understanding Stool Changes in Infants and Children

Stool characteristics can vary significantly in infants and young children, often causing concern for parents and caregivers. Here’s what you need to know:

Newborn Stools

In the first few days of life, newborns pass meconium, a dark green or black, tar-like substance. This gradually transitions to more normal infant stools over the first week.

Breastfed vs. Formula-Fed Infants

Breastfed babies often have loose, mustard-yellow stools with a seedy appearance. Formula-fed infants typically have firmer, tan-colored stools. Both are normal variations.

Introduction of Solid Foods

As solid foods are introduced, stool color and consistency will change. Green, orange, or other colors may appear depending on the foods consumed.

When to Consult a Pediatrician

While variations are common, certain changes warrant medical attention:

• Blood in the stool
• White, clay-colored stools
• Persistent diarrhea or constipation
• Signs of discomfort during bowel movements

Always consult with a pediatrician if you have concerns about your child’s bowel habits or stool appearance.

The Role of Gut Microbiome in Stool Health

The gut microbiome, comprising trillions of microorganisms living in our digestive tract, plays a crucial role in overall health, including stool characteristics. Here’s how the gut microbiome influences our bowel movements:

Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

Gut bacteria help break down complex carbohydrates and fibers that our bodies can’t digest on their own. This process affects stool consistency and frequency.

Stool Composition

A significant portion of our stool consists of dead bacteria from the gut microbiome. Changes in the microbial population can alter stool appearance and odor.

Immune Function

The gut microbiome interacts closely with our immune system. Imbalances in gut bacteria can lead to inflammation, potentially affecting bowel habits.

Promoting a Healthy Gut Microbiome

To support a diverse and healthy gut microbiome, consider the following strategies:

• Eat a varied diet rich in fiber and plant-based foods
• Include fermented foods in your diet
• Limit artificial sweeteners and processed foods
• Consider probiotic supplements under medical guidance
• Manage stress and get adequate sleep

By nurturing a healthy gut microbiome, you can promote regular, healthy bowel movements and overall digestive wellness.

Advanced Diagnostic Tools for Stool Analysis

When persistent stool changes or digestive symptoms occur, healthcare providers may recommend advanced diagnostic tests to identify underlying issues. These tests can provide valuable insights into digestive health and function:

Stool Culture

This test checks for the presence of harmful bacteria, parasites, or other pathogens that may be causing digestive symptoms or changes in stool appearance.

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

FOBT detects small amounts of blood in the stool that may not be visible to the naked eye. It’s often used as a screening tool for colorectal cancer.

Fecal Calprotectin

This test measures levels of calprotectin, a protein indicative of inflammation in the intestines. It can help diagnose conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Comprehensive Stool Analysis

This detailed analysis examines various aspects of stool composition, including beneficial and harmful bacteria, yeast, parasites, and digestive markers. It can provide a comprehensive picture of gut health and function.

Colonoscopy

While not a stool test per se, a colonoscopy allows direct visualization of the colon and rectum. It’s often recommended for investigating persistent changes in bowel habits or stool appearance.

These diagnostic tools, combined with a thorough medical history and physical examination, can help healthcare providers identify and address underlying causes of stool changes and digestive symptoms.

Understanding the various factors that influence stool appearance and consistency is crucial for maintaining digestive health. While occasional changes are normal, persistent alterations in your bowel habits or stool characteristics should prompt a discussion with a healthcare provider. By paying attention to your body’s signals and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, you can promote optimal digestive function and overall well-being.

Appearance, color, and what is normal

Poop, stool, or feces contains waste products, such as undigested food particles, bacteria, and salts. A bowel movement that is hard, runny, or has an unusual color may indicate a health problem that needs attention.

Sometimes, poop can vary in color, texture, amount, and odor. These differences can be concerning, but usually, these changes are not significant and will resolve in a day or two. Other times, however, changes in poop indicate a more serious condition.

Keep reading to discover more about the different types of poop, including what is and is not typical.

Fast facts on types of poop:

• Poop can come in different shapes, colors, and smells.
• A person should pass a normal, healthy poop easily and with minimal strain.
• Anyone who has blood in their stool should seek urgent medical attention.

Was this helpful?

Devised by doctors in the Bristol Royal Infirmary, England, and based on the bowel movements of nearly 2,000 people, the Bristol stool chart characterizes the different types of poop as shown above.

Types 1 and 2 indicate constipation, types 3 and 4 are healthy stool, while types 5–7 suggest diarrhea and urgency.

Poop is generally:

• Medium to dark brown: It contains a pigment called bilirubin, which forms when red blood cells break down.
• Strong-smelling: Bacteria in excrement emit gases that contain the unpleasant odor associated with poop.
• Pain-free to pass: A healthy bowel movement should be painless and require minimal strain.
• Soft to firm in texture: Doctors consider poop passed in one single piece or a few smaller pieces to signify a healthy bowel. The long, sausage-like shape of poop is due to the shape of the intestines.
• Passed once or twice daily: Most people pass stool once a day, although others may poop every other day or up to three times daily. At a minimum, a person should pass stool three times per week.
• Consistent in its characteristics: A healthy poop varies from person to person. However, people should monitor any changes in the smell, firmness, frequency, or color of poop as it can indicate an issue.

How long should a poop take?

It should take 10–15 minutes to pass the stool.

People that take longer than this may have constipation, hemorrhoids, or another condition.

While brown poop is considered the “usual” color of poop, some greenish-brown hues may also be acceptable.

Poop can be other colors too, such as:

Black

Black stools, especially if they have the appearance of tar, suggest gastrointestinal bleeding. Other substances may also cause black poop, such as:

• iron supplements
• black licorice
• black stout
• bismuth medications

White

If stools are white, gray, or pale, a person may have an issue with the liver or gallbladder, as pale stools suggest a lack of bile. Some antidiarrhea medications cause white stools.

Green

Spinach, kale, or other green foods can cause green poop. However, a green-colored stool may signify too much bile and not enough bilirubin in the poop.

Red

Poop that is red-colored may be the result of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Small amounts of blood in the stool can indicate hemorrhoids.

Eating beets or red berries or drinking beet or tomato juice also turns poop red. Once these foods have passed through the digestive tract, poop should become brown again.

Orange

Consuming many orange-colored foods, which are rich in a pigment called beta-carotene, causes orange stool.

Carrots, sweet potatoes, and winter squash are among the many foods that contain this pigment.

However, blocked bile ducts or certain medications, including some antacids and the antibiotic rifampin, can cause orange poop.

Yellow

If stool appears yellow or greasy-looking, the poop contains too much fat. This may result from absorption issues or difficulty producing enzymes or bile.

Most people will experience variations in stool color at some stage. Usually, this is down to diet or some other minor cause.

However, anyone who experiences changes in poop color that last 2 or more weeks or has red or black stool should consult a doctor.

If parents or caregivers notice any changes in their baby’s poop, it is usually not a cause for concern, but they can consult a pediatrician for further advice.

Read on about the baby’s poop color.

The following situations may suggest a digestive issue:

• pooping too often — more than three times daily
• not pooping often enough — less than three times a week
• excessive straining when pooping
• poop that is red, black, green, yellow, or white
• greasy, fatty stools
• pain when pooping
• blood in the stool
• bleeding while passing stool
• watery poop — diarrhea
• very hard, dry poop that is difficult to pass
• floating poop

People experiencing any of these types of poop should consult a doctor.

There is a range of reasons why a person may experience poop that is different from usual, including:

Stress

Stress can trigger and exacerbate digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It can affect how quickly food moves through the body, which can cause either diarrhea or constipation for some people.

Find out what remedies can alleviate stress.

Dehydration

Not drinking enough water and other fluids can lead to constipation, as stool requires moisture to move more easily through the digestive tract. Too much caffeine and alcohol can contribute to dehydration.

Read on how much water a person should drink.

Lack of dietary fiber

Fiber acts as a binding substance to give stool its form. It also helps poop to move smoothly through the digestive tract. A diet low in fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses, can lead to bowel problems.

Learn what fiber-rich roods are.

Food intolerances and allergies

People with an intolerance or allergy to certain foods can often experience diarrhea, constipation, or other traits of abnormal poop when they consume problematic food.

For example, people with lactose intolerance often experience diarrhea if they have dairy, while those with celiac disease will have an adverse reaction to gluten.

Find out more about common food allergies.

Medical conditions

Certain conditions can cause constipation, diarrhea, or other poop abnormalities. Examples of such conditions include:

• depression
• cancer
• an overactive or underactive thyroid
• inflammatory bowel disease
• IBS
• Parkinson’s disease

Constipation

A person may have constipation if they:

• have difficulty emptying the large bowel
• are straining when pooping
• are passing less stool than usual
• the stool is lumpy, dry, or hard

Alongside the above causes of constipation, it may also result from lifestyle or routine changes such as physical inactivity or the overuse of laxatives.

Learn more about the remedies for constipation.

A person should contact a doctor if changes to poop persist for 2 weeks or more.

People should seek immediate medical treatment if the stool is bright red, black, or a tarry substance. These symptoms suggest blood loss, which could become a medical emergency if left untreated.

How to ensure healthy bowels

To help ensure healthy bowel function and healthy poops, people can follow the tips below:

• Eat enough fiber: Aim to get the recommended minimum daily amount of fiber, which is 25 grams (g) for women and 38 g for men under 50 years old. Women over 50 should aim for 21 g while men over 50 should consume 30 g daily.
• Drink plenty of water: A reasonable amount is about 8 glasses (64 ounces) per day. It is especially important to stay hydrated when consuming more fiber.
• Take probiotics: Probiotics may help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the gut. Although some yogurts and drinks can also provide probiotics, these beneficial bacteria are in capsule form.
• Try magnesium: Magnesium hydroxide often treats constipation. It is safe for most people, although doctors do not recommend it for people with renal insufficiency.
• Lifestyle changes: This may include stopping smoking, type, and level of exercise, and anxiety management to help control a person’s bowel movements.

A well-functioning digestive system is essential for health and well-being. It also suggests that a person is eating a balanced diet.

Poop abnormalities that persist can lead to complications. For example, ongoing diarrhea can result in nutritional deficiencies or, in severe cases, malnutrition, while constipation can cause bowel obstructions.

A person’s poop tends to be brown, soft to firm in texture, and easy to pass. If someone experiences changes in poop, they should monitor the changes and consult a doctor if the issue does not resolve within 2 weeks.

To encourage bowel function, a person should eat a fiber-rich diet, exercise regularly, reduce stress, and drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

Read this article in Spanish.

Appearance, color, and what is normal

Poop, stool, or feces contains waste products, such as undigested food particles, bacteria, and salts. A bowel movement that is hard, runny, or has an unusual color may indicate a health problem that needs attention.

Sometimes, poop can vary in color, texture, amount, and odor. These differences can be concerning, but usually, these changes are not significant and will resolve in a day or two. Other times, however, changes in poop indicate a more serious condition.

Keep reading to discover more about the different types of poop, including what is and is not typical.

Fast facts on types of poop:

• Poop can come in different shapes, colors, and smells.
• A person should pass a normal, healthy poop easily and with minimal strain.
• Anyone who has blood in their stool should seek urgent medical attention.

Was this helpful?

Devised by doctors in the Bristol Royal Infirmary, England, and based on the bowel movements of nearly 2,000 people, the Bristol stool chart characterizes the different types of poop as shown above.

Types 1 and 2 indicate constipation, types 3 and 4 are healthy stool, while types 5–7 suggest diarrhea and urgency.

Poop is generally:

• Medium to dark brown: It contains a pigment called bilirubin, which forms when red blood cells break down.
• Strong-smelling: Bacteria in excrement emit gases that contain the unpleasant odor associated with poop.
• Pain-free to pass: A healthy bowel movement should be painless and require minimal strain.
• Soft to firm in texture: Doctors consider poop passed in one single piece or a few smaller pieces to signify a healthy bowel. The long, sausage-like shape of poop is due to the shape of the intestines.
• Passed once or twice daily: Most people pass stool once a day, although others may poop every other day or up to three times daily. At a minimum, a person should pass stool three times per week.
• Consistent in its characteristics: A healthy poop varies from person to person. However, people should monitor any changes in the smell, firmness, frequency, or color of poop as it can indicate an issue.

How long should a poop take?

It should take 10–15 minutes to pass the stool.

People that take longer than this may have constipation, hemorrhoids, or another condition.

While brown poop is considered the “usual” color of poop, some greenish-brown hues may also be acceptable.

Poop can be other colors too, such as:

Black

Black stools, especially if they have the appearance of tar, suggest gastrointestinal bleeding. Other substances may also cause black poop, such as:

• iron supplements
• black licorice
• black stout
• bismuth medications

White

If stools are white, gray, or pale, a person may have an issue with the liver or gallbladder, as pale stools suggest a lack of bile. Some antidiarrhea medications cause white stools.

Green

Spinach, kale, or other green foods can cause green poop. However, a green-colored stool may signify too much bile and not enough bilirubin in the poop.

Red

Poop that is red-colored may be the result of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Small amounts of blood in the stool can indicate hemorrhoids.

Eating beets or red berries or drinking beet or tomato juice also turns poop red. Once these foods have passed through the digestive tract, poop should become brown again.

Orange

Consuming many orange-colored foods, which are rich in a pigment called beta-carotene, causes orange stool.

Carrots, sweet potatoes, and winter squash are among the many foods that contain this pigment.

However, blocked bile ducts or certain medications, including some antacids and the antibiotic rifampin, can cause orange poop.

Yellow

If stool appears yellow or greasy-looking, the poop contains too much fat. This may result from absorption issues or difficulty producing enzymes or bile.

Most people will experience variations in stool color at some stage. Usually, this is down to diet or some other minor cause.

However, anyone who experiences changes in poop color that last 2 or more weeks or has red or black stool should consult a doctor.

If parents or caregivers notice any changes in their baby’s poop, it is usually not a cause for concern, but they can consult a pediatrician for further advice.

Read on about the baby’s poop color.

The following situations may suggest a digestive issue:

• pooping too often — more than three times daily
• not pooping often enough — less than three times a week
• excessive straining when pooping
• poop that is red, black, green, yellow, or white
• greasy, fatty stools
• pain when pooping
• blood in the stool
• bleeding while passing stool
• watery poop — diarrhea
• very hard, dry poop that is difficult to pass
• floating poop

People experiencing any of these types of poop should consult a doctor.

There is a range of reasons why a person may experience poop that is different from usual, including:

Stress

Stress can trigger and exacerbate digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It can affect how quickly food moves through the body, which can cause either diarrhea or constipation for some people.

Find out what remedies can alleviate stress.

Dehydration

Not drinking enough water and other fluids can lead to constipation, as stool requires moisture to move more easily through the digestive tract. Too much caffeine and alcohol can contribute to dehydration.

Read on how much water a person should drink.

Lack of dietary fiber

Fiber acts as a binding substance to give stool its form. It also helps poop to move smoothly through the digestive tract. A diet low in fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses, can lead to bowel problems.

Learn what fiber-rich roods are.

Food intolerances and allergies

People with an intolerance or allergy to certain foods can often experience diarrhea, constipation, or other traits of abnormal poop when they consume problematic food.

For example, people with lactose intolerance often experience diarrhea if they have dairy, while those with celiac disease will have an adverse reaction to gluten.

Find out more about common food allergies.

Medical conditions

Certain conditions can cause constipation, diarrhea, or other poop abnormalities. Examples of such conditions include:

• depression
• cancer
• an overactive or underactive thyroid
• inflammatory bowel disease
• IBS
• Parkinson’s disease

Constipation

A person may have constipation if they:

• have difficulty emptying the large bowel
• are straining when pooping
• are passing less stool than usual
• the stool is lumpy, dry, or hard

Alongside the above causes of constipation, it may also result from lifestyle or routine changes such as physical inactivity or the overuse of laxatives.

Learn more about the remedies for constipation.

A person should contact a doctor if changes to poop persist for 2 weeks or more.

People should seek immediate medical treatment if the stool is bright red, black, or a tarry substance. These symptoms suggest blood loss, which could become a medical emergency if left untreated.

How to ensure healthy bowels

To help ensure healthy bowel function and healthy poops, people can follow the tips below:

• Eat enough fiber: Aim to get the recommended minimum daily amount of fiber, which is 25 grams (g) for women and 38 g for men under 50 years old. Women over 50 should aim for 21 g while men over 50 should consume 30 g daily.
• Drink plenty of water: A reasonable amount is about 8 glasses (64 ounces) per day. It is especially important to stay hydrated when consuming more fiber.
• Take probiotics: Probiotics may help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the gut. Although some yogurts and drinks can also provide probiotics, these beneficial bacteria are in capsule form.
• Try magnesium: Magnesium hydroxide often treats constipation. It is safe for most people, although doctors do not recommend it for people with renal insufficiency.
• Lifestyle changes: This may include stopping smoking, type, and level of exercise, and anxiety management to help control a person’s bowel movements.

A well-functioning digestive system is essential for health and well-being. It also suggests that a person is eating a balanced diet.

Poop abnormalities that persist can lead to complications. For example, ongoing diarrhea can result in nutritional deficiencies or, in severe cases, malnutrition, while constipation can cause bowel obstructions.

A person’s poop tends to be brown, soft to firm in texture, and easy to pass. If someone experiences changes in poop, they should monitor the changes and consult a doctor if the issue does not resolve within 2 weeks.

To encourage bowel function, a person should eat a fiber-rich diet, exercise regularly, reduce stress, and drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

Read this article in Spanish.

Green feces – causes, diagnosis and treatment

Green feces is the acquisition of various greenish hues by stool. The symptom is often accompanied by diarrhea, flatulence, and abdominal pain. The appearance of a green color of feces is observed with the use of certain foods and drugs, dysbacteriosis, intestinal infections, and chronic pathology of the gastrointestinal tract. Examination of the patient involves a coprogram, ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs, radiography and endoscopy. To normalize the color of feces, a diet, sorbents, probiotics, and enzyme preparations are prescribed.

Causes of green stools

Eating habits

Eating a large amount of green leafy crops (spinach, dill) and vegetables leads to characteristic changes in the color of stool due to the excess content of the pigment chlorophyll. At the same time, the feces are formed, do not have a putrefactive odor, the frequency of defecation does not change. The dark greenish color of the stool is caused by the use of black licorice, caramel and marmalade with dyes. Stool color returns to normal in 2-3 days.

Dysbacteriosis

The accumulation of pathogenic microorganisms in the intestine provokes the processes of putrefaction, with the formation of specific protein compounds that cause the discharge of green feces with a sharp fetid odor. Fecal masses in dysbacteriosis are unformed, soft, sometimes liquid. The color ranges from greenish yellow to dark green. Sometimes a light green coating forms on the surface of the feces.

Stools of an atypical greenish color are associated with discomfort and rumbling in the abdomen, flatulence, pain and spasms. During defecation, patients notice a sharp pain along the intestines, especially in the left sections. The changed color of feces persists for a long time, until the cause of dysbacteriosis is eliminated. Such a clinical picture is an indication for visiting a doctor.

Intestinal infections

Entering the intestines of pathogens and their multiplication are the main causes of green stool in adults and children. The symptom is pathognomonic for salmonellosis. This intestinal infection is characterized by liquid, foamy, dark green stools of a heterogeneous consistency. Feces have a strong putrid odor, the frequency of defecation increases from 5 to 15 times a day, depending on the severity of the disorder.

Greenish color of feces is also typical for viral infections – rotavirus enteritis, enteroviral gastroenteritis. First, green diarrhea is observed, then the stools lose their fecal consistency – in case of severe intestinal damage, a greenish liquid with an unpleasant odor may be released during defecation. The symptom is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diffuse abdominal pain, lack of appetite.

Chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Discoloration of feces is most common in chronic enteritis, which is characterized by deterioration of abdominal digestion, fermentation and putrefaction of food in the intestine. Putrefactive reactions cause the formation of pathological chemical compounds that color the stool green. Diarrhea is noted, fecal masses are plentiful, fetid, sometimes acquire an “oily” appearance. The main reasons for the release of green feces:

• Diseases of the stomach : hyperacid gastritis, peptic ulcer, functional dyspepsia.
• Inflammatory bowel disease : ulcerative colitis, enterocolitis, Crohn’s disease.

Allergy

For people prone to allergic reactions, the development of dyspeptic symptoms after eating exotic foods and allergenic foods is pathognomonic. With food allergies, diarrhea begins, the rhythm of bile secretion into the intestine is disrupted, which causes the presence of a greenish color of feces. The duration of unpleasant symptoms is 3-5 days, after which the condition improves, the color of the feces returns to normal.

Damage to the hepatobiliary system

The habitual brown color of the feces is due to the presence of bile pigments, which undergo chemical transformations in the intestine. If the color of the feces changed to green, and heaviness and dull pain appeared in the right hypochondrium, it means that the color changes caused causes from the gallbladder and liver. Usually the feces are soft, unformed, light green or yellowish in color.

When the disease worsens, the color of the stool changes to grayish-white. Also, a person is worried about constant nausea and periodic vomiting with bile impurities. The duration of fecal color change ranges from several days with biliary dyskinesia to several weeks and even months with cholecystitis and cholangitis. With hepatitis, there are greenish stools, but lightening of the feces is more characteristic.

Celiac disease

Symptoms often begin in childhood. There is prolonged diarrhea for no apparent reason. Due to violations of the digestion of food in the small intestine, the feces become green, the stools are liquid, plentiful, fetid. Patients with celiac disease complain of constant abdominal pain, weight loss, and sometimes vomiting. Diarrhea can be replaced by constipation, when the stool becomes dark, almost black. The patient’s condition is progressively deteriorating.

Complications of pharmacotherapy

There are a number of drugs that can change the color of stool. Most often, the symptom manifests itself in the treatment of anemia with iron preparations. The microelement is excreted with feces, which is characterized by a dark green or black color. The symptom persists throughout the period of iron intake. Green feces in an adult are also caused by other medical reasons: treatment with laxatives, iodine preparations, multivitamin complexes.

Rare causes

• Chronic gastrointestinal bleeding .
• Tumors of the stomach and intestines .
• Congenital pathologies : disaccharidase deficiency, intestinal form of cystic fibrosis.
• Endocrine diseases : diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis, Itsenko-Cushing’s disease.

1 – Meconium. 2 – Feces with alimentary dyspepsia. 3 – Feces of a child fed on cow’s milk

Diagnosis

If green stools appear, consult a gastroenterologist. The plan of diagnostic measures includes advanced laboratory tests and modern methods of visualization of the digestive system. If necessary, the patient is referred for consultations to related specialists. The most informative are:

• Coprogram . When examining green stool under a microscope, it contains a large number of undigested food particles, an increased content of erythrocytes and leukocytes, which indicates inflammatory processes in the intestine. With possible intestinal bleeding, the Gregersen reaction is performed occult blood. Analysis of fecal elastase allows to exclude pancreatitis.
• Bacteriological tests . When changing the color of feces, a microscopic analysis is always carried out for helminth eggs. Be sure to inoculate feces on selective nutrient media to detect typical pathogens of the intestinal group: Salmonella, Escherichia, Shigella. In case of difficulties in diagnosis, blood ELISA is prescribed to detect antibodies.
• Ultrasound . In an adult, the appearance of green feces is often caused by somatic causes, which require ultrasound of the abdominal organs to confirm. Sonography allows to exclude space-occupying formations and other severe lesions of the intestine. Targeted ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder is necessary for the diagnosis of cholecystitis, hepatitis.
• Radiography . Irrigoscopy with double contrast helps to assess the structure of the colon and identify areas of mucosal destruction, deep ulcers or diverticula. Barium passage radiography is an effective method that can be used to assess the state of all parts of the gastrointestinal tract and detect signs of peptic ulcer.
• Additional methods. FGDS is recommended for signs of gastroduodenal pathology. In patients with suspected inflammatory bowel disease, a colonoscopy with biopsy is indicated. To make a diagnosis of celiac disease, a cytomorphological study of biopsy specimens of the small intestine is performed, specific antibodies are determined. To find out the cause of severe allergies, an immunogram is informative.

Treatment

Help before diagnosis

Greenish stools associated with the consumption of certain foods do not require specific therapy. It is enough to exclude provoking factors from your diet, and after a couple of days the color of the stool returns to normal. If the symptom is accompanied by nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, you should consult a doctor to find out why the feces turned green. The presence of streaks of blood in the feces is an indication for emergency hospitalization.

Conservative therapy

An important part of the treatment is a special diet. In the acute period of intestinal infections, other gastrointestinal pathologies, a person is transferred to a sparing diet – mucous soups, pureed cereals on the water. After the normalization of the stool, the patient gradually returns to the usual diet. Celiac disease is treated with a lifelong gluten-free diet. Medications are selected depending on the cause of green feces. For therapeutic use:

• Sorbents . They are prescribed for all cases of greenish stools and diarrhea, as they effectively remove toxic metabolic products and bacterial agents from the body. Darkening of the feces against the background of the use of activated charcoal preparations is a variant of the norm.
• Probiotics . In dysbacteriosis, during the recovery period after intestinal infections, probiotics are necessary to colonize the colon with beneficial lactobacilli. The drugs improve motility, eliminate abdominal discomfort, help normalize the frequency and consistency of the stool.
• Antisecretory agents . In hyperacid conditions, medications are effective that reduce acidity in the stomach, prevent the development of ulcers and bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. Preference is given to protein pump inhibitors, characterized by long-term action and minimal side effects.
• Enzymes . With the gastrointestinal form of intestinal infections and chronic enteritis, pancreatin and dry bile have a good therapeutic effect. Enzyme replacement therapy stimulates digestion and eliminates malabsorption syndrome, due to which all dyspeptic disorders disappear.
• Antibiotics . Antimicrobial agents are indicated in severe generalized bacterial diseases to address the infectious causes of the disorder. Predominantly use drugs from the group of fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines. Sometimes therapy is supplemented with sulfonamides. In viral infections, etiotropic drugs are not prescribed.

Discoloration of feces | Sağlam Aile

Normally, the stool should be formed or have a semi-soft texture without undigested food residues; it should not leave marks on the toilet after draining the water.

What causes changes in the appearance of the stool?

Evaluation of consistency, color or impurities in stool can be an important indicator of the presence of various diseases described below.

Changes in stool consistency

Loose, shiny stools

Loose, shiny stools that are difficult to flush in the toilet, with visible drops of fat on its surface or in water, are characterized as fatty stools.

This phenomenon occurs with severe pancreatic insufficiency, with pancreatic cancer, as well as with diseases of the small intestine (eg celiac disease).

In this situation, it is recommended to confirm the fatty nature of the stool by measuring the daily excretion of fat in the stool collected over 3 days on a standard diet containing 100 g of fat. If the result is positive, the next steps are the search for pancreatic disease and treatment with pancreatic or intestinal enzyme preparations.

Foamy, shooting stools

Foamy, shooting stools are most often a symptom of an intestinal infection, but may also be indicative of digestive or malabsorption problems.

Pencil stool

Pencil stool – this term implies a decorated chair, but with a very narrow diameter, sometimes resembling even the diameter of a pencil (hence the name).

This change in shape may be due to narrowing of the lumen of the rectum due to cancer or, less commonly, due to inflammatory and scarring in the anal area. This is an important signal for medical examinations, the simplest of which is a finger examination through the anus.

Discoloration of stools

Black, tarry stools

This color is indicative of blood that has undergone chemical changes. Usually the source of bleeding in tarry stool is the stomach or duodenum. If the contents of the intestine move slowly, and the bruising is not abundant, the source of bleeding may also be in the initial section of the colon, that is, in the caecum, near the appendix. To make sure that the black color of the stool is associated with an admixture of blood in it, you can do an occult blood test. This is a fairly simple test that is available at many pharmacies without a prescription.

Confirmation of black occult blood in the stool indicates the need for an urgent visit to the doctor. As a standard, the doctor prescribes a complete blood count and determination of the concentration of iron, as well as routine gastrointestinal endoscopy. In most cases, they identify the source of bleeding. More sophisticated diagnostic methods are used less frequently.

Dark or even black stools can also be associated with iron, bismuth or activated charcoal supplements. In this case, the occult blood test will be negative and no further testing is required.

Light, yellowish or clay-colored stools

These changes in stool color are associated with difficulty in expelling bile produced in the liver into the gastrointestinal tract. This phenomenon is called cholestasis. An obstruction to the outflow of bile can be localized at the level from the liver cell to the so-called. duodenal papilla through which bile enters the duodenum. Cholestasis is often accompanied by jaundice, darkening of urine to brown, and generalized itching of the skin.

White stools

White stools occur after contrast examination of the gastrointestinal tract with oral administration of barium sulfate. This contrast agent may stain the first batch of stool white.

Loose, greenish stools

Loose, greenish stools most likely indicate an intestinal infection. Diarrhea and fever, as concomitant symptoms, complete the picture of the disease.

Pathological impurities

Blood in the stool

Fresh blood covering the stool or remaining only on toilet paper is most often associated with hemorrhoidal disease.

Blood mixed with stool or blood clots indicates the source of bleeding in the intestinal lumen.

In both cases, a medical examination and a colonoscopy are necessary, to a depth depending on the indication. The cause of intestinal bleeding should be found out, or at least colon cancer should be excluded as its source.

Mucus in the stool

Mucus covering the stool can only be a manifestation of functional disorders or moderate intestinal inflammation.