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.

table of normal values, interpretation of the results of fecal analysis and preparation for the test

Coprogram or general fecal analysis is a laboratory study of human feces in order to study its physical, chemical characteristics, composition, types of inclusions and further diagnosis of the gastrointestinal tract. All information about the interpretation of the results of fecal analysis in the article is for informational purposes only, do not interpret and diagnose yourself, this should be done by a specialist!

Table of reference (normal) values ​​of the general analysis of feces

Index	Breastfed babies	Formula-fed infants	Children	Adults
Macroscopic characteristics
Quantity	40-50 g/day	30-40 g/day	100–250 g/day	10-400 g/day
Consistency	Viscous, mushy	Putty	Decorated	Decorated
Color	Yellow, golden to greenish	Light brown, orange	Brown to dark brown	Brown to dark brown
Smell	Sour, mild, milky	Sour, pronounced	Fecal soft	Fecal soft
Slime	A small amount of clear mucus is acceptable	A small amount of clear mucus is acceptable	Not found	Not found
Blood	Not found	Not detected	Not found	Not found
Pus	Not detected	Not detected	Not detected	Not detected
Parasites	Not found	Not found	Not found	Not found
Undigested food	Not found	Not found	Small to moderate amounts of vegetable indigestible fiber are acceptable	Small to moderate amounts of vegetable indigestible fiber are acceptable
Chemical data
Acid, pH	4. 8–5.8	6.8–7.5	7.0–7.5	7.0–7.5
Bilirubin	Small quantities allowed up to three months	Small quantities acceptable up to three months	Not detected	Not detected
Stercobilin	Discovered	Discovered	Discovered	Found, 75-350 mg/day
Soluble protein	Not detected	Not detected	Not detected	Not detected
Microscopic characteristics
Ammonia	Not detected	Not detected	Up to 20-40 mmol/kg	Up to 20-40 mmol/kg
Starch	Not detected	Not detected	Not detected	Not detected
Neutral fats	Single drops allowed	Acceptable in small quantities	Not found	Not found
Fatty acids	Small number of crystals allowed	Small number of crystals allowed	Not found	Not found
Soaps	Small quantities allowed up to one year	Small quantities allowed up to one year	Not found	Not found
Digestible fiber	Not found	Not found	Not found	Not found
Muscle and connective tissue fibers	Not found	Not found	Small quantities allowed	Small quantities allowed
Erythrocytes	Not found	Not found	Not found	Not found
Leukocytes	Not found or single	Not found or single	Not found or single	Not found or single
Yeast fungi	Not found	Not found	Not found	Not found
Iodophilic bacteria	Not found	Not found	Not found	Not found
Epithelial cells	Not found or single	Not found or single	Not found or single	Not found or single

Interpretation of the results of the general analysis of feces

The volume of feces excreted per day directly depends on the amount of food and diet consumed. The predominance of vegetable products on the table increases the volume of excrement, protein products – reduces. The deviation of the daily volume from the reference values ​​​​that has become regular may indicate a pathology: a constant increase in volume – about enterocolitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, dyspepsia of various etiologies, increased intestinal motility or IBS, a constant decrease – about constipation or malnutrition.

Normal consistency feces in children (after weaning) and adults is a cylindrical shaped stool, approximately ¾ of which consists of water. Breastfeeding babies normally have mushy stools, while formula-fed babies have putty stools. Cholelithiasis, cholecystitis and pancreatitis cause an ointment-like consistency. Dysentery, salmonellosis, dyspepsia and enterocolitis cause foamy stools. Hard feces are the result of constipation, spasm of the intestinal walls, stenosis of the large intestine. There are a lot of possible causes of loose stools, most often it is diarrhea, IBS, or increased intestinal motility.

Stercobilin pigment imparts the characteristic brown color to adult feces . In infants, the stool is lighter, towards light yellow, golden and greenish hues. In artificials, on the contrary, the stool is usually darker: from dark yellow to brown. Most often, the color of the feces of an adult changes due to the characteristics of the diet and after taking certain medications. If the rules for preparing for the fecal analysis were followed, then this is what the color change can indicate: black – internal bleeding, varicose veins of the esophagus, peptic ulcer or stomach cancer; dark brown – recurrent constipation, an excess of protein in the diet, problems with the digestion of protein foods, colitis, dyspepsia; light brown – an excess of plant foods, IBS, increased intestinal motility; reddish brown – ulcerative colitis; light yellow – pancreatitis; grayish or almost white – hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, obstruction of the bile ducts.

Sour smell of stool causes fermentation processes; for children under 6 months, sour smell is a normal variant and is explained by the use of breast milk or artificial mixtures (in this case, the smell is more pronounced). Putrid dyspepsia, enterocolitis, gastric pathology, ulcerative colitis and a number of more severe conditions cause a putrid odor. Cholecystitis, obstruction of the bile ducts, cholelithiasis, pancreatitis explain the appearance of a fetid odor.

The presence of mucus, a product of destruction of the intestinal epithelium, indicates an inflammatory process in the intestine, hemorrhoids, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, or the presence of certain parasites.

Detection of blood in the stool is an alarming sign. Easily detectable fresh scarlet blood on the feces most often indicates hemorrhoids or anal fissure. The combination of loose stools and blood is a symptom of dysentery and a number of diseases of an infectious nature. The appearance of streaks of blood accompanies ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, less often – oncological diseases. The combination of blood cells and mucus in the analyzes may indicate the development of paraproctitis, colitis, the appearance of polyps and intestinal diverticulum. Abundant and / or regular rectal bleeding is a reason for a mandatory and urgent visit to the proctologist.

For children and adults, the detection of pus in excrement is a dangerous pathology and indicates an active inflammation in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. In such situations, additional laboratory and instrumental examinations are always prescribed.

If helminths (worms) and their eggs are detected in the stool sample , antiparasitic drug therapy is prescribed.

Positive coprogram for undigested food residues leads the doctor to suspect a fermentation disorder, insufficient production of gastric juice, gastritis, or problems with intestinal motility.

The norm is neutral acidity feces. Weak alkalization (pH 7.5-8.0) is observed in diseases of the small intestine, medium (pH 8.0-8.5) – with pancreatitis, colitis, regular constipation, strong (pH> 8.5) – with putrefactive dyspepsia . A slightly acidic reaction is normal for infants and artificial babies due to the intake of milk and mixtures; in adults, an increase in acidity indicates an excess of carbohydrates in the diet, active fermentation processes, for example, with fermentative dyspepsia.

The body of a healthy adult completely converts bilirubin into stercobilin. If in infants a small amount of bilirubin in the feces is considered a variant of the norm and is explained by the incompletely formed intestinal microflora, then in adults it may indicate the development of IBS, dysbacteriosis, and the recent use of antibiotics.

A noticeable decrease in stercobilin in the results of stool analysis, up to its absence, indicates functional problems of the liver, cholelithiasis, blockage of the bile ducts. If the indicator exceeds the norm, then there is a suspicion of hemolytic anemia and excessive production of bile.

A positive reaction to protein in the coprogram usually indicates a pathology of the duodenum or stomach, dyspepsia, gastritis, enterocolitis, hemorrhoids.

Even the minimum concentration of ammonia in the feces of infants is considered a deviation from the norm. For adults, a concentration of about 20-40 mmol / kg is allowed. The increased content of ammonia accompanies violations of fermentation and the process of digestion of protein foods. Also, the indicator is growing against the background of colitis and putrefactive dyspepsia.

Starch in a healthy body is completely broken down in the gastrointestinal tract and should not be “exited”. Traces of intracellular starch in the feces may appear during hyposecretion of gastric juice, the processes of putrefaction and fermentation. Extracellular starch, a breakdown product of plant cells, is not absorbed in case of insufficient production of the amylase enzyme by the body or due to an abnormally high rate of food movement through the gastrointestinal tract.

Neutral fats (triglycerides) and soaps in a stool sample may only be normal in children under 1 year of age. For older children and adults, non-disintegration of fats is a sign of a functional disorder of the pancreas, liver, or gallbladder. Fatty acids are found in the results of fecal analysis in violation of the absorption function of the intestinal walls and with increased intestinal motility. Another reason for the incomplete breakdown of fats can be a banal excess of fatty foods in the diet or the intake of fat-containing drugs.

Indigestible fiber may be present in the coprogram, it is not by chance that it was called indigestible. But the presence of digestible fiber in the analyzes at best indicates an excess of raw vegetables and fruits in the diet, in less pleasant scenarios – violations of the secretory function of the stomach, biliary process, accelerated evacuation of feces from the intestines.

In a completely healthy body, protein foods (meat, fish) are completely digested. One of the manifestations of the violation of this process is the appearance in the feces of muscle fibers and connective tissue elements . The reason for this may be insufficient production of enzymes by the pancreas and a decrease in the acidity of the stomach.

A positive reaction to erythrocytes when deciphering the analysis of feces usually indicates hemorrhoids, fissures and ulcers in various parts of the intestine, polyposis. The presence of leukocytes clearly indicates the course of the inflammatory process in one or more sections of the intestine. In the case of the collapse of the intestinal tumor, both red blood cells and white blood cells are found in the stool.

Yeast-like fungi multiply against the background of dysbacteriosis caused by antibiotics and/or corticosteroids.

Iodophilic bacteria got their name because of their ability to change color under the action of iodine-containing solutions, such as Lugol’s solution. Pathogenic cocci and bacilli appear in the results of fecal analysis during dysbacteriosis, active fermentation processes in the stomach, against the background of an excess of carbohydrates in the diet, and insufficient production of pancreatic enzymes.

The presence of crystals in the feces, depending on their chemical composition, may indicate the processes of putrefaction, bleeding from the intestinal walls, an allergic reaction, helminthic invasion.

The penetration of squamous epithelium cells into the stool has no diagnostic value, cylindrical epithelium – indicates the course of acute or chronic colitis.

Preparing for a stool test

1. Stop antibiotics, laxatives, corticosteroids, rectal suppositories, enemas, and ointments 72 hours before your scheduled sample collection time. It is advisable to consult with your doctor about the need to stop taking certain drugs.
2. For 48 hours, exclude from the diet foods containing coloring matter (tomatoes, beets, blueberries, etc.), alcohol, dairy products, products that cause fermentation. Moderately eat fatty, spicy and pickled foods.
3. It is not recommended to do a coprogram during menstruation, as well as earlier than a week after contrast radiography.
4. Doctors recommend taking a stool sample for examination in the morning on an empty stomach, without using an enema, laxative, or other methods of stimulating peristalsis. It is better to deliver the container to the laboratory on the same day, the sooner the better. Keeping the stool sample in the refrigerator is not recommended, as this may distort the results.
5. The stool specimen must be free of water, urine, and any other third-party fluids and chemicals. It is recommended to urinate, then thoroughly rinse the perineum and genitals, dry with a clean towel.
6. Do not defecate into the toilet to avoid contact with water, urine or chemicals. Defecate into a clean container or onto a surface that does not absorb moisture: into a pot, a vessel, onto an oilcloth, a sheet of polyethylene, into a special plastic container, etc.
7. The stool sample is taken with a special spoon, which is usually supplied with a disposable sterile container from a pharmacy. A stool sample weighing 1–2 g should fill the container by about a third of its volume. It is not allowed to transport a stool sample in matchboxes and other household containers that are not intended for this.
8. When preparing for a fecal occult blood test, avoid foods high in iron, bromine and iodine (apples, sweet peppers, beans, almonds, peanuts, seaweed, etc.) from the diet 72 hours before sampling. meat and fish products, all green and red vegetable products.
9. It is recommended that coprograms be performed in the same laboratory for better follow-up.

Analysis of feces in infants and children from one year old: norms and interpretation of the coprogram

Contents

• 1 Analysis of feces in children: norms and interpretation of the coprogram
  • 47 1.1.1 Norms of stool analysis children
  • 1.1.2 Deciphering the coprogram: what can be revealed
• 1.2 Defining a coprogram
• 1.3 Preparing for fecal analysis
  • 1. 3.1 Rules for collecting material
  • 1.3.2 Preparing for review
  • 1.3.3 Preparing a coprogram

  904 48

• 1.4 Fecal norms for infants
• 1.5 Fecal norms for children from 1 to 3 years old
• 1.6 Fecal norms in children over 3 years old
  • 1.6.1 Physical parameters
  • 1.6.2 Chemical parameters
  • 1.6.3 Microbiological parameters
• 1.7 What can the coprogram show?
• 1.8 Abnormalities
• 1.9 Causes of abnormal fecal analysis in children
  • 1.9.1 Malnutrition
  • 1.9.2 Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
  • 1.9.3 Side effects of medications 90 448
  • 1.9.4 Stress and emotional tension
• 1.10 Treatment of abnormal stool tests
• 1.11 Prevention of abnormal stool tests in children
• 1.12 Q&A:
  • • 1.12.0.1 How do you know if the baby’s stool is okay?
    • 1.12.0.2 What is the average frequency of bowel movements in a healthy infant?
    • 1. 12.0.3 Why do I need a coprogram?
    • 1.12.0.4 Can a child have healthy intestines if there are proteins in the stool?
    • 1.12.0.5 What fatty acids are found in feces and what does this mean?
    • 1.12.0.6 What is feces on helminth eggs?

Find out what a stool test can show in babies and children from one year old. Deciphering the coprogram and norms are important points in understanding the health of the baby. Read more on our website.

Gut monitoring is an important task for parents. It becomes especially acute when it comes to young children. How to understand that everything is in order with the child, and what tests should be taken to find out about the state of his health? One of the most revealing methods is fecal analysis.

In this article we will talk about the norms and interpretation of the coprogram in infants and children older than a year. Let’s analyze what occult and acute blood is, what microflora elements are usually found in feces, and how to evaluate the results of the analysis.

Let’s start studying a topic that will help you understand how to monitor the health of young children and identify digestive problems in a timely manner.

Fecal analysis: norms and interpretation of the coprogram

Fecal analysis norms in children

Fecal analysis in children is an important stage in the diagnosis of diseases. The norms of analysis depend on the age of the child and may differ slightly from the norms of adults. In infants, soft, yellow, odorless stools are considered normal, while in older children, denser stools with a more intense odor, but without impurities and blood, are considered normal.

Coprogram interpretation: what can be detected

Coprogram is the results of microscopic and chemical examination of feces. Fecal analysis allows you to identify digestive disorders, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, metabolic disorders, infectious diseases and other pathologies.

The table below shows some stool test results and their possible causes.

Analysis result Possible causes

Ask your doctor for more information about stool test results and their meaning.

Definition of a coprogram

A coprogram is a fecal examination performed on children of all ages, including infants. Stool analysis shows the characteristics of the digestive system and the overall health of the child. This analysis allows you to identify various possible diseases, such as infections, allergies, dysbacteriosis and others.

In order to carry out a coprogram, it is necessary to collect the stool from the child in a clean container and take it to the laboratory. After that, various studies are carried out, such as microscopic analysis, biochemical studies, etc.

The results obtained allow us to assess the health of the baby, identify the presence of pathologies and choose the appropriate treatment. However, it is important to remember that the results of the coprogram should only be interpreted by doctors and only after examining the patient and collecting additional information about his condition and symptoms.

Preparation for fecal analysis

Material collection rules

For the coprogram, it is necessary to collect the material correctly. First of all, it is necessary to ensure maximum hygiene during the procedure. For children under one year old, it is recommended to buy urinals at a pharmacy, collect feces in them. Children over one year old can use a regular container.

In this case, it is necessary to collect all the feces excreted during the day, and not taken from different sites. This will allow you to reliably evaluate the result and perform a qualitative analysis.

Preparation for review

Collected material should be delivered to the laboratory within 2-3 hours after excision. You can store the material in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees. Before donating the material, you should avoid taking medications and products that can affect the composition of the feces. These include: iron-containing preparations, vegetable oils, vitamins, yogurts.

Coprogram preparation

Sample preparation is carried out before the material calibration procedure. Feces are placed on a glass plate, using a microscope, they make up its microflora. To analyze the eggs of worms, the feces are diluted in a special solution, and then squeezed through gauze. This is followed by a microscopic examination.

Fecal norms in infants

Fecal analysis in infants is an important diagnostic procedure that allows you to determine the presence of diseases in early childhood. The amount and color of feces, its consistency are the main indicators of the health of the baby.

A pronounced fecal odor in infants is normal, but should not be too strong. If the feces are dark in color, have a strong odor, blood or mucus, then this is a sign of a disease and requires immediate medical attention.

Fecal norms for children from one to 3 years old

Child’s feces is an important indicator of the health and condition of the digestive system. The normal state of feces indicates that the child has no problems with digestion and absorption of nutrients from food.

The norms of feces in children from one to 3 years may vary slightly. However, in general, a child’s normal stool should be slightly soft and formed.

• Stool color may vary from light yellow to dark brown.
• The amount of feces in a child can vary from 1 time per day to 3 times per week. The main thing is that the child feels comfortable and does not experience pain when going to the toilet.
• The normal smell of feces is of little importance for a child, because stool contains various bacteria and elements that can create odor.

If you notice that your child’s stools are bright green or white, this may indicate a problem with the digestive system. Also, the feces can become hard and coarse in case of malnutrition or insufficient fluid intake.

Caloric Norm

Fecal norms in children older than 3 years

Physical

Quantity: usually children over 3 years old exile at least 1 time per day and no more than 3 times.

Consistency: The stool should be soft, well-shaped, free of perceptible granules and cracks.

Form: , depending on the age of the child, can be in the form of balls, beads, snakes or sausages.

Chemical parameters

pH: norm is from 6.0 to 7.5.

Starch: value must be zero.

Fats: lipids are usually present in feces in small amounts, no more than 20% of the total mass.

Microbiological indicators

Quantitative composition: in the feces of older children there should be no anaerobic flora and fungi, and the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria should not exceed seventeen million per unit mass of feces.

Qualitative composition: healthy feces should be free of pathogens and bacteria.

What can the coprogram show?

A coprogram is a stool test that can provide important information about a child’s health. It can show the presence or absence of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites in the stool. Also, the coprogram can detect the presence of blood in the stool, which may indicate the presence of bleeding in the intestine.

A stool test may also be helpful in determining if you have allergic reactions to certain foods. The coprogram may show the presence of an elevated level of eosinophils in the stool, which may indicate an allergy to certain foods.

Thus, the coprogram is an important research method that allows you to identify many of the child’s health problems and take measures to solve them.

Abnormalities

Fecal analysis in infants and children older than one year reveals abnormalities. If such deviations are found, it is necessary to consult a doctor for advice and treatment.

Frequent deviations:

1. The presence of blood in the stool may indicate diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including ulcerative colitis and gastric ulcer.
2. The presence of fat in the stool may indicate an intolerance to fat or diseases of the liver and biliary tract.
3. An increased amount of stool acidity can be a sign of indigestion and stomach diseases.
4. Low stool acidity may indicate protein digestion problems and stomach problems.

In addition, such abnormalities as the presence of worms or their eggs in the feces, as well as a violation of the general condition of the child (lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite) are also a sign of the disease and require a visit to a doctor.

Causes of abnormal fecal analysis in children

Malnutrition

One of the main causes of abnormal fecal analysis in children is malnutrition. Diet, food composition, frequency and number of meals – all this affects the quality of feces. For example, some foods can cause constipation or diarrhea, and this in turn will affect the result of a stool test.

Gastrointestinal disorders

Gastrointestinal disorders may lead to abnormal fecal analysis in children. It can be various diseases, such as dysbacteriosis, peptic ulcer, gastritis and others. In such cases, a stool test can help doctors make an accurate diagnosis and start treatment.

Side effects of medications

Many medications can affect the result of a stool test in children. Some of them can cause diarrhea or vice versa – constipation, which will affect the characteristics of the feces. The results of a stool test can also be affected by drugs taken to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Stress and emotional tension

Some children may experience stress and emotional tension, for example, when moving to another city or school. This can affect the work of the digestive tract and the quality of feces. In such cases, a stool test can help the doctor determine if there are problems and prescribe the necessary treatment or advice on diet and daily routine.

Treatment of abnormalities

If the results of a stool test on an infant or child are cause for concern, parents should contact their pediatrician. Based on the data obtained, the doctor will determine the need for treatment and prescribe the appropriate drugs.

Also, if the feces contain an increased amount of fat, which is a sign of indigestion, parents can receive advice on the child’s nutrition and the appointment of drugs that improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Always remember that keeping a child healthy is the responsibility of the parents. The regularity of stool tests and timely treatment will help prevent the development of many diseases and ensure the normal course of growth and development of the child.

Prevention of abnormal fecal analysis in children

To prevent abnormal stool analysis in children, certain measures must be taken.

• Keep the child’s personal hygiene, prevent contact with intestinal infections.
• Help your child manage their diet and keep them healthy.
• Keep your child’s diet full of fluids.
• Monitor the baby’s stool and see a doctor if necessary.

In case of detection of abnormalities in the analysis of feces of children, it is necessary to do additional research and identify the causes of deviations. Timely diagnosis and treatment will help prevent the development of serious diseases.

Q&A:

How do you know if your baby’s stool is okay?

Tiny white/yellow particles are normal (may be food debris), and small amounts of blood and mucus may be mixed into the stool.

What is the average frequency of bowel movements in a healthy baby?

In infants, the intestines work individually, but it is considered normal 1-2 times a day.

Why do I need a coprogram?

The coprogram allows you to determine the state of the intestine, the composition and number of microorganisms, as well as to detect the presence of foreign inclusions, bacteria and viruses in the feces.

Can a child have healthy intestines if there are proteins in the stool?

If there is little protein in the feces, then this may be the result of poorly digested food. If their number is noticeably large and this repeats, then this may indicate problems in the work of the intestines and require additional diagnostics.