What are the common causes of green liquid diarrhea. How can you manage symptoms at home. When should you seek medical attention for watery stools. What treatments are available for chronic diarrhea.

Understanding Green Liquid Diarrhea: Causes and Significance

Green liquid diarrhea can be an alarming experience for many individuals. This unusual stool color often raises concerns about underlying health issues. While the causes of green liquid diarrhea can vary, it’s essential to understand the potential factors contributing to this condition.

Green liquid diarrhea may occur due to several reasons:

• Rapid intestinal transit: When food moves too quickly through the digestive system, bile doesn’t have time to break down completely, resulting in green-colored stool.
• Dietary factors: Consuming green foods or beverages, such as leafy vegetables or food coloring, can lead to green stools.
• Infections: Certain bacterial or viral infections can cause green diarrhea.
• Medications: Some antibiotics or iron supplements may alter stool color.

Is green liquid diarrhea always a cause for concern. In most cases, green diarrhea is not a serious issue and often resolves on its own. However, if accompanied by other symptoms or persisting for an extended period, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Common Causes of Liquid Bowel Movements

Liquid bowel movements, or watery diarrhea, can result from various factors affecting the digestive system. Understanding these causes is crucial for proper management and treatment.

Acute Digestive Infections

Acute infections are a leading cause of liquid stools. These may include:

• Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
• Bacterial infections like Salmonella or E. coli
• Parasitic infections such as Giardiasis

How long do acute digestive infections typically last. Most acute infections resolve within a few days to a week, but some may persist longer, especially if left untreated.

Chronic Digestive Disorders

Chronic conditions affecting the digestive tract can lead to recurring episodes of liquid bowel movements. These include:

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Celiac disease
• Microscopic colitis

Can chronic digestive disorders be managed effectively. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many chronic digestive conditions can be managed to improve quality of life and reduce symptoms.

Medication Side Effects

Certain medications can cause diarrhea as a side effect. These may include:

• Antibiotics
• Antacids containing magnesium
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Some blood pressure medications

Should you stop taking medication if it causes diarrhea. Never discontinue prescribed medications without consulting your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dosage or recommend alternative treatments.

Symptoms Associated with Liquid Bowel Movements

Liquid bowel movements often come with a range of accompanying symptoms that can vary in severity. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for proper management and determining when to seek medical attention.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Common gastrointestinal symptoms associated with liquid bowel movements include:

• Abdominal cramping and pain
• Bloating and gas
• Nausea and vomiting
• Urgent need to defecate
• Increased frequency of bowel movements

Can abdominal pain during diarrhea be severe. While some discomfort is common, severe or persistent abdominal pain could indicate a more serious condition and warrants medical evaluation.

Systemic Symptoms

In addition to gastrointestinal distress, liquid bowel movements may be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Fatigue and weakness
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration

How can you recognize signs of dehydration. Watch for symptoms like decreased urine output, dark-colored urine, dry mouth, and increased thirst. Severe dehydration may cause rapid heartbeat and confusion.

Potential Complications of Chronic Liquid Bowel Movements

While acute episodes of liquid bowel movements are typically not cause for concern, chronic diarrhea can lead to several complications if left untreated. Understanding these potential risks is essential for proper management and prevention.

Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance

Prolonged diarrhea can result in significant fluid loss, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This can cause:

• Weakness and fatigue
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Decreased urine output
• Rapid heartbeat
• In severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousness

How can electrolyte imbalances be prevented during episodes of diarrhea. Consuming oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte-rich beverages can help maintain proper fluid and electrolyte balance.

Malnutrition and Weight Loss

Chronic diarrhea can interfere with nutrient absorption, potentially leading to:

• Unintended weight loss
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• Weakened immune system
• Fatigue and decreased energy levels

Can malnutrition from chronic diarrhea be reversed. With proper treatment of the underlying cause and nutritional support, many effects of malnutrition can be reversed over time.

Anal Irritation and Skin Breakdown

Frequent liquid bowel movements can cause irritation and discomfort in the anal area, potentially leading to:

• Anal itching and burning
• Skin breakdown and rashes
• Increased risk of fungal infections
• Hemorrhoids or anal fissures

How can anal irritation be prevented during episodes of diarrhea. Gentle cleansing with water, patting dry, and applying protective barrier creams can help minimize irritation and skin breakdown.

Diagnostic Approaches for Chronic Liquid Bowel Movements

When liquid bowel movements persist or recur frequently, a comprehensive diagnostic approach is necessary to identify the underlying cause and develop an effective treatment plan.

Medical History and Physical Examination

The diagnostic process typically begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. The healthcare provider may ask about:

• Duration and frequency of symptoms
• Associated symptoms such as abdominal pain or fever
• Recent travel history
• Dietary habits and changes
• Current medications and supplements

Why is a detailed medical history important in diagnosing chronic diarrhea. A comprehensive medical history can provide valuable clues about potential causes and guide further diagnostic testing.

Laboratory Tests

Various laboratory tests may be ordered to investigate the cause of chronic liquid bowel movements:

• Stool culture to identify bacterial or parasitic infections
• Blood tests to check for inflammation, celiac disease, or thyroid disorders
• Fecal occult blood test to detect hidden blood in the stool
• Stool electrolyte tests to assess malabsorption

How long does it typically take to receive stool culture results. Stool culture results usually take 2-3 days, but some bacterial or parasitic infections may require longer incubation periods.

Imaging Studies and Endoscopic Procedures

In some cases, imaging studies or endoscopic procedures may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis:

• Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to examine the colon lining
• Upper endoscopy to evaluate the upper digestive tract
• CT scan or MRI to visualize the abdominal organs
• Capsule endoscopy to examine the small intestine

Are endoscopic procedures painful. Most endoscopic procedures are performed under sedation, minimizing discomfort. Patients may experience mild soreness or bloating afterward, but severe pain is uncommon.

Treatment Options for Liquid Bowel Movements

The treatment approach for liquid bowel movements depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. A combination of home remedies, dietary changes, and medical interventions may be necessary for effective management.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Modifications

Several home remedies can help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery:

• Staying hydrated with clear fluids and oral rehydration solutions
• Resting and avoiding strenuous activities
• Gradually reintroducing solid foods as symptoms improve
• Using over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications cautiously
• Practicing good hand hygiene to prevent spread of infectious diarrhea

When should you avoid using over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications. Anti-diarrheal medications should be avoided in cases of bloody diarrhea, high fever, or suspected bacterial infections, as they may prolong the illness.

Dietary Modifications

Adjusting your diet can help manage symptoms and promote healing:

• Following the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) during acute episodes
• Avoiding dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol
• Limiting high-fat and spicy foods
• Incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements
• Staying hydrated with clear broths and electrolyte-rich beverages

How long should dietary restrictions be maintained after an episode of diarrhea. Gradually reintroduce normal foods over 2-3 days as symptoms improve, but continue to avoid trigger foods for several more days to allow full recovery.

Medical Treatments

Depending on the underlying cause, medical treatments may include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Anti-parasitic medications for parasitic infections
• Immunosuppressants or biologics for inflammatory bowel diseases
• Bile acid sequestrants for bile acid malabsorption
• Antispasmodics for irritable bowel syndrome

Can probiotics help in treating chronic diarrhea. Probiotics have shown promise in managing certain types of chronic diarrhea, particularly antibiotic-associated diarrhea and some cases of irritable bowel syndrome. However, their effectiveness can vary, and it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting probiotic supplementation.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Liquid Bowel Movements

While many cases of liquid bowel movements resolve on their own, certain situations require prompt medical attention. Recognizing these warning signs is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring timely treatment.

Severe or Persistent Symptoms

Seek medical care if you experience:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• High fever (over 102°F or 39°C)
• Signs of severe dehydration (extreme thirst, dry mouth, little to no urine output)
• Rapid heart rate or breathing

Can severe diarrhea be life-threatening. In some cases, particularly in young children, elderly individuals, or those with weakened immune systems, severe diarrhea can lead to life-threatening dehydration if left untreated.

Concerning Stool Characteristics

Certain stool characteristics warrant immediate medical evaluation:

• Blood in the stool (red, black, or tarry stools)
• Pus in the stool
• Persistent green or yellow liquid stools
• Greasy, foul-smelling stools that float (indicative of malabsorption)

Why is black, tarry stool a cause for concern. Black, tarry stools (melena) can indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, which requires immediate medical attention to identify and treat the source of bleeding.

High-Risk Individuals

Certain groups should seek medical attention promptly for liquid bowel movements:

• Infants and young children
• Elderly individuals
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with compromised immune systems
• Those with pre-existing chronic health conditions

Why are young children at higher risk for complications from diarrhea. Children, especially those under 5 years old, can become dehydrated more quickly than adults due to their smaller body size and higher metabolic rates, making prompt medical evaluation crucial.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and potential complications of liquid bowel movements, including green liquid diarrhea, is essential for proper management and timely intervention. While many cases resolve with home care and lifestyle modifications, persistent or severe symptoms warrant medical attention. By recognizing warning signs and seeking appropriate care, individuals can minimize the impact of liquid bowel movements on their health and well-being.

Liquid Poop (Watery Diarrhea): Common Causes and More

A liquid bowel movement, or diarrhea, is usually due to a short-term illness like food poisoning or a virus. However, it can result from a different underlying medical condition.

Diarrhea can happen to everyone from time to time. It occurs when you pass liquid instead of formed stool three or more times a day.

If your liquid bowel movements are a side effect of a chronic condition, a doctor can usually help you treat or manage them.

This article discusses the various causes of liquid bowel movements, potential complications, and the range of available treatments.

Multiple causes and contributing factors can lead to liquid bowel movements. Examples include:

• acute digestive infection
• constipation, since liquid stool can escape around blockages
• digestive tract disorders, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Crohn’s
• intolerances such as celiac disease
• history of damage to the anal sphincter
• surgeries like hemorrhoid or tumor removal, or treatment for anal abscesses and fistulas
• malabsorption syndromes

Stool is usually brown because of compounds like bile and bilirubin that are present in it. But if you have liquid bowel movements, you may find the liquid is another color entirely.

Learn more about stool colors and what they mean here.

Yellow liquid poop

Yellow liquid poop could indicate an underlying disorder in the liver or gallbladder. Bright yellow liquid stool can also be a sign of giardiasis, an infection caused by an intestinal parasite you can get from drinking unclean water.

Green liquid poop

Diarrhea can appear green due to green foods you ate or stool moving too quickly through your colon.

Pooping clear liquid

Intestinal inflammation can cause the secretion of mucus in the intestines. This causes clear liquid bowel movements.

Black liquid poop

Black liquid poop can be a cause for concern because it can indicate bleeding from a location somewhere in the higher portion of the digestive tract.

Other potential causes of black liquid poop include taking Pepto-Bismol or iron supplements or eating foods that are blue or black in color.

Diarrhea that lasts 2 weeks or less is known as acute diarrhea. Diarrhea that lasts longer than 4 weeks is considered chronic.

Loose bowel movements can have a lot of unpleasant symptoms, including:

• cramping and abdominal pain
• fatigue
• fever
• nausea
• vomiting
• dizziness
• weakness
• urgency for bowel movements that may result in loose stool

If you see unexplained color changes in your liquid bowel movement, especially red, black, or tarry stool, seek emergency medical treatment.

Diarrhea, especially severe or chronic, may cause other complications in your body. These include:

• dehydration
• malabsorption
• electrolyte imbalance
• acute kidney injury

You should always inform your doctor if you experience severe or consistent diarrhea lasting over 2 days.

Ensuring proper hydration and electrolyte balance is essential in all diarrhea management.

If the causes of your liquid poop are acute, symptoms should resolve within a few days. Until you feel better, the goals are to stay hydrated and rest.

Home remedies

Certain home remedies can ease your symptoms and promote recovery:

• Drink plenty of clear liquids. Oral rehydration solutions, like Pedialyte, may also help restore fluid and electrolyte balance.
• Limit physical exertion and rest thoroughly.
• Take over-the-counter medications such as loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate).

Diet changes

When experiencing or recovering from diarrhea limiting intake of certain foods and drinks can help manage symptoms.

Food and drinks to limit or avoid include:

• fried foods
• spicy foods
• milk and cheeses
• raw vegetables
• citrus fruits
• alcohol
• caffeine

Learn more about what to eat when you have diarrhea here.

Medical treatment

Doctors can prescribe medical treatments to remedy the underlying causes of diarrhea. For example, doctors will prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial diarrhea and other relevant medications for IBD cases.

In cases of infectious diarrhea, doctors may even warn against taking anti-diarrheal drugs because they may back up the bacteria or viruses in your digestive tract, extending your illness. If you have a high fever or blood in your stool, avoid anti-diarrhea treatments like bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) and loperamide (Imodium).

Liquid bowel movements often resolve independently as the body passes the bacteria or other harmful factors contributing to your illness.

However, if you have bloody or regular diarrhea that lasts longer than 48 hours, contact a doctor to make sure your symptoms do not get worse.

A doctor may obtain a stool sample to send to a laboratory to test for the presence of certain bacteria, parasites, or viruses.

They also may recommend interventions, such as examining the intestinal lining via colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

Liquid bowel movements can lead to cramping, abdominal discomfort, and dehydration.

If your diarrhea lasts longer than a few days, contact a doctor to determine a potential underlying condition. Staying hydrated and eating bland foods can help you regain strength and avoid dehydration.

Read this article in Spanish.

Explosive Diarrhea: Causes, Treatment, and More

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Diarrhea is defined as bowel movements of a more liquid consistency or increasing the number or volume of bowel movements. Explosive or severe diarrhea is diarrhea in overdrive.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines diarrhea as three or more loose or liquid daily stools. With explosive diarrhea, the contractions of your bowels that help you pass feces become stronger and more forceful. Your rectum fills with more volume than it can contain.

Often, large amounts of gas accompany severe diarrhea. This increases the ejection and loudness of the bowel movement.

Approximately 75 percent of your stool is made of water. The other 25 percent is a combination of:

• undigested carbohydrates
• fiber
• protein
• fat
• mucus
• intestinal secretions

As feces travel through your digestive system, fluids and electrolytes are added to their content. Normally, your large intestine absorbs the excess fluid.

When you have diarrhea, though, digestion speeds up. Either the large intestine isn’t able to absorb the rush of fluid or more than the usual amount of fluids and electrolytes are secreted during digestion.

Diarrhea is a symptom that occurs with a number of conditions. The most common causes for severe diarrhea include:

Bacterial and viral infection

Bacteria that cause diarrhea-producing infections include salmonella and E. coli. Contaminated food and fluids are common sources of bacterial infections.

Rotavirus, norovirus, and other kinds of viral gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as “stomach flu,” are among the viruses that can cause explosive diarrhea.

Anyone can get these viruses. But they’re especially common among school-age children. And they’re common in hospitals and nursing homes, and on cruise ships.

Learn more: Is it a stomach bug or food poisoning? Tips for identification »

Parasitic infection

Parasites like Giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium can cause severe diarrhea, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. As with viral and bacterial causes, these parasites are spread when there’s direct or indirect contact between feces and the mouth.

These parasites are found in contaminated drinking water, recreational waters, and food. Day care centers, where caregivers may not wash their hands well enough after changing diapers, are particularly vulnerable to outbreaks.

Diseases of the bowel

Diarrhea is a common problem for people who have an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease.

Medications

Many medications can cause diarrhea. Antibiotics, certain medications used to treat heartburn and acid reflux, and chemotherapy drugs are frequent culprits.

Allergies or food intolerance

Diarrhea often occurs when you are allergic to, or have an intolerance of, certain foods, like the lactose found in dairy products.

Explosive diarrhea is usually short-lived. But there are complications that require medical care. These include:

Dehydration

Loss of fluids from diarrhea can cause dehydration. This is a particular concern in infants and children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems.

An infant can become severely dehydrated within 24 hours.

Chronic diarrhea

If you have diarrhea for more than four weeks, it’s considered chronic. Your doctor will advise testing to determine the cause of the condition so it can be treated.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a rare complication of E. coli infections. It occurs most often in children, though adults, particularly older adults, can get it, too.

HUS can cause life-threatening kidney failure if not treated promptly. With treatment, most people fully recover from the condition.

Symptoms of HUS include:

• severe diarrhea, and stools that may be bloody
• fever
• abdominal pain
• vomiting
• decreased urination
• bruising

Diarrhea is common. It’s estimated that adults in the United States experience 99 million episodes of diarrhea each year. Some people are at greater risk and include:

• children and adults who are exposed to feces, especially those who are involved in changing diapers
• people who travel to developing countries, particularly in tropical regions
• people taking certain medications, including antibiotics and medications used to treat heartburn
• people who have bowel disease

Diarrhea normally clears up within a few days without treatment. But you should see your doctor if you have the following symptoms:

• diarrhea lasting longer than two days or 24 hours in a child
• signs of dehydration, including excessive thirst, dry mouth, reduced urination, or dizziness
• blood or pus in your stool, or stool that’s black in color
• a fever of 101.5 °F (38.6 °C) or greater in an adult, or 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher in a child
• severe abdominal or rectal pain
• diarrhea at night

You can connect to a physician in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.

Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, including:

• how long you’ve had diarrhea
• if your stools are black and tarry, or contain blood or pus
• other symptoms you’re experiencing
• medications you’re taking

You doctor will also ask about any clues you may have as to the cause of the diarrhea. Clues could be a food or fluid you suspect may have something to do with your illness, travel to a developing country, or a day of swimming in a lake

After providing these details, your doctor may:

• do a physical examination
• test your stool
• order blood tests

In many cases, treatment will involve managing your symptoms while you wait for the diarrhea to pass. The primary treatment for severe diarrhea is to replace fluids and electrolytes. Electrolytes are the minerals in your body fluid that conduct the electricity your body needs to function.

Drink more fluids, like water, and juice, or broths. Oral hydration solutions, such as Pedialyte, are formulated specifically for infants and children, and contain important electrolytes. These solutions are also available for adults. Find a great selection here.

You can use over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrheal medications if your stool isn’t black or bloody, and you don’t have a fever. These symptoms indicate you may have a bacterial infection or parasites, which can be made worse by antidiarrheal medications.

OTC medications should not be given to children under the age of two unless approved by a doctor. If your infection is bacterial, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

It’s difficult to completely avoid getting severe diarrhea. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.

• Sanitation is crucial. Wash your hands with soap and warm water, especially before handling food, after using the toilet, or after changing a diaper.
• If you’re traveling to an area where water purity is a concern, stick with bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. And peel raw fruit or vegetables before eating.

If you do get explosive diarrhea, there are some steps you can take to make yourself more comfortable and improve your outlook for a speedy recovery:

• It’s important to rehydrate. Keep sipping water and other fluids. Stick to a diet of clear liquids for a day or two until the diarrhea stops.
• Avoid sugary fruit juices, caffeine, carbonated drinks, dairy products, and food that’s greasy, overly sweet, or high in fiber.
• There’s one exception to avoiding dairy products: Yogurt with live, active cultures may help curb diarrhea.
• Eat a diet of bland, soft foods for a day or two. Starchy foods like cereal, rice, potatoes, and soups made without milk are good choices.

In most people, diarrhea will clear up without requiring treatment or a trip to the doctor. Sometimes, though, you may need medical treatment, especially if your diarrhea leads to dehydration.

Diarrhea is a symptom rather than a condition. The underlying cause of diarrhea varies greatly. People who have signs of complications or chronic diarrhea need to work with their doctor to determine the cause so that it can be treated.

90,000 Causes of Green Loose Stools in Adults and Treatment for Diarrhea | IMODIUM®

Co-author, editor and medical expert – Klimovich Elina Valerievna.

Editor and medical expert – Harutyunyan Mariam Harutyunovna.

Number of views: 1 253 040

Date last updated: 2 Contents:

Causes of green diarrhea
Associated symptoms
What is the danger of diarrhea
Treatment
IMODIUM ^{® 900 43 Diarrhea Express}
Learn about the main causes of diarrhea in our video!

Green-colored stools that are not associated with dietary changes may indicate the development of certain gastrointestinal diseases. If at the same time loose stools are observed, the violation of the functions of the digestive system is beyond doubt. Diarrhea of ​​any origin, left untreated, is a dangerous phenomenon that can lead to a serious deterioration in health.

Causes of green diarrhea

Loose stools with green stools can be caused by many causes. The most common are the following.

Associated symptoms

Each of the listed symptoms is important, therefore, when contacting a doctor, it is important to tell about each of these signs, when it began to manifest itself, how severe, etc. This will allow the doctor to draw up a general picture of the disease and facilitate the formulation diagnosis.

Why diarrhea is dangerous

Diarrhea left without appropriate treatment can lead to serious complications for the body as a whole. The most dangerous of them are the following.

Dehydration . With diarrhea, the mechanism of water absorption by the intestinal walls is disturbed. The fluid is excreted from the body, not having time to take part in the metabolism. In addition, water is released into the intestinal lumen, which increases fluid loss. It is especially dangerous if a child of the first 2-3 years of life or an adult recovering from a serious illness develops dehydration. It can be dangerous not only for health, but also for life.

Electrolyte imbalance in the body . Together with water, the body loses salts, without which the proper functioning of cells, the penetration of essential substances through their membranes and the excretion of cellular metabolic products is impossible. As a result, this can lead to disruption of vital organs.

Exhaustion . Diarrhea, especially if it lasts for a long time, often develops a deficiency of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and other biologically significant elements. This leads to a chronic decline in strength, weight loss, and the internal organs suffer from a lack of the substances they need, which affects their functions.

Anal fissures . Constant irritation of the anal area during diarrhea leads to irritation of the rectal mucosa and the skin around the anus. Prolonged diarrhea often causes the formation of anal fissures and associated symptoms: acute pain and bleeding.

Treatment

In the treatment of diarrhea, it is important to determine the cause of the diarrhea, assess your general health and find out if the diarrhea has led to serious complications. Therefore, with green diarrhea, you need to consult a doctor who will conduct an examination, collect an anamnesis and prescribe a diagnosis. Treatment is recommended based on the findings. It may include taking a wide variety of medications, which may include:

• antibacterial drugs – prescribed for the treatment of diarrhea of ​​bacterial origin;
• antidiarrheals – allow you to normalize the motor function of the intestine, reduce fluid loss and restore the rhythm of the intestine;
• anti-inflammatory drugs – help to stop inflammation of the intestinal walls;
• enterosorbents – absorb toxins and remove gases.

Treatment of diarrhea is carried out in a complex way: both the underlying disease or condition that caused this symptom and the consequences of diarrhea (decrease in the level of electrolytes, etc.) are eliminated.

IMODIUM

^® Express in the fight against diarrhea

IMODIUM ^® Express is a drug approved for use in the symptomatic treatment of acute and chronic diarrhea of ​​various origins. The active substance, loperamide, has the following effect:

• helps restore intestinal motility – slows down the movement of feces and reduces the frequency of the urge to defecate;
• helps to reduce the amount of water released into the intestinal lumen;
• helps to regulate and restore the normal absorption of water and salts dissolved in it by the intestinal walls.

Before taking IMODIUM ^® Express, you should read the instructions and consult with a specialist.

Learn about the main causes of diarrhea in our video!

This material is for guidance only and does not replace medical advice.

* Among products based on Loperamide. By sales in money for February 2018 — January 2019city, according to IQVIA (from English IQUVIA).

Green feces – the causes of occurrence, in what diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment

Green feces: causes of occurrence, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

Definition

Greenish stool in people of any age can be both a normal variant and evidence of serious changes in the body.

Feces is a waste product of the body, formed in the large intestine, consists of 80% water and 20% solids. The dry residue includes undigested food (40%), almost completely non-viable intestinal microflora (30%), secretions of the glands of the intestinal wall (mucus) and dead cells of the intestinal mucosa (30%).

The composition and nature of feces are determined by nutrition, the state of the digestive system, intestinal microflora, and the presence of concomitant diseases.

The composition of the normal intestinal microflora includes a large number of bifido- and lactobacilli, Escherichia coli, bacteroids. They are useful because they perform a protective function and inhibit the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms. Enterobacteria, enterococci, clostridia, staphylococci, streptococci, fungi of the genus Candida are present in a smaller amount in the intestine. With uncontrolled reproduction, they can cause unpleasant symptoms.

Varieties of green stool

Green stool occurs in normal and pathological conditions. With the pathological nature of the stool, the general well-being of the patient changes, the frequency of defecation, the consistency of the stool, its smell, impurities of mucus, pus, and blood may appear.

Possible causes of green stools

The most common cause of green stools without changing its other characteristics is the consumption of green plant foods – spinach, sorrel, lettuce, etc., as well as foods containing green food coloring. In this case, the color of the stool normalizes on its own within one to two days after stopping the use of these products.

Another normal variant is meconium, the first feces of a newborn. It is viscous, sticky, dark green in color, consists of dead cells of the intestinal wall, mucus, amniotic fluid, bile.

The intestines of a newborn baby are gradually colonized by microorganisms. At the same time, the composition of the microflora of a breastfed baby, despite the predominance of lacto- and bifidobacteria, is more variable than that of a formula-fed baby.

Some bacteria can affect the color of stool and turn it green. With good health, appetite and the absence of other symptoms, these phenomena are considered a variant of the norm.

Persistent disturbance of the composition of the intestinal microflora (dysbacteriosis) is considered a pathological condition that affects the color of feces.

When taking tableted and encapsulated iron preparations, excess iron is excreted naturally, the feces acquire a dark, greenish, up to black tint.

Kal completely restores its characteristics after the end of the course of medication.

Possible causes of green stools include infectious and inflammatory diseases of the stomach, small and large intestines.

Diseases that cause green stool

Lactase deficiency is a congenital or acquired condition in which the activity of the lactase enzyme and the ability to digest lactose are absent or reduced. Congenital lactase deficiency begins in early childhood and persists throughout life; transient deficiency develops against the background of immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of the newborn (occurs at 3-6 weeks of life and decreases as the child grows and develops). Secondary lactase deficiency is a consequence of a previous disease, accompanied by damage to the cells of the intestinal wall.

The main symptoms of lactase deficiency are severe bloating, intestinal colic, loose frothy stools after drinking breast or whole cow’s milk.

With insufficient processing of lactose in the gastrointestinal tract, the processes of fermentation and decay begin, which cannot but affect the composition of the microflora. With a pronounced imbalance of microorganisms, green stools may appear.

Violation of the ratio of normal and pathogenic intestinal microflora is called dysbacteriosis . This condition can occur against the background of a sharp change in nutrition, with insufficient consumption of plant foods and dairy products, due to inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract, gastric and duodenal ulcers, infectious lesions of the small or large intestine, after taking a course of antibacterial drugs, against the background of a decrease in immunity .

Symptoms of dysbacteriosis include constipation or unstable stools, impaired processing and absorption of beneficial nutrients, bloating and pain in the abdomen.

Among intestinal infections, which are characterized by the appearance of green stools, dysentery, giardiasis, salmonellosis, and rotavirus are distinguished.

Dysentery is caused by bacteria of the genus Shigella, which are excreted in the stool by an ill person or carrier. Shigella enter the body through dirty hands, and after 2-3 days, the development of the disease begins. Bacteria multiply in the large intestine, irritating and damaging its wall.

Symptoms of dysentery are false painful urge to defecate, as well as frequent, scanty liquid stools of dark green color with impurities of blood, mucus, and pus.

The patient’s general health worsens, he is worried about weakness, body temperature rises. At the same time, due to light stools, the risk of dehydration remains low, but perforation of the intestinal wall is possible.

Giardiasis is caused by protozoa – Giardia. The mechanism of transmission is fecal-oral, infection is possible through direct contact with a sick person or through contaminated water and food. It takes up to four weeks from the moment of infection to the onset of symptoms. More often sick children and adults with low acidity of gastric juice.

The simplest cause symptoms of inflammation of the small intestine: nausea, bloating, pain in its upper and middle thirds, around the navel, frequent (up to 5 times a day) liquid, profuse, frothy, foul-smelling green stools.

Extraintestinal manifestations are also possible – skin rashes, pronounced allergic reactions.

Giardia

Salmonellosis is caused by bacteria of the genus Salmonella. They enter the human body through poorly thermally processed eggs, dairy products and meat. The period from infection to the onset of the disease lasts up to two days. The symptoms of salmonellosis include spasmodic pain in the upper abdomen and near the navel, nausea, vomiting (up to 3 times a day), as well as frequent (up to 15 times a day) plentiful, liquid, frothy, fetid stools of the color of marsh mud.

The disease is dangerously severe intoxication, dehydration, possible entry of salmonella into the blood and dysfunction of many organs and systems (sepsis).

Rotavirus is spread by food, water, airborne droplets, household. Perfectly preserved in the external environment, resistant to most disinfectants. For the development of the disease, it is enough for just a few viral particles to enter the mouth. It begins with symptoms of an acute respiratory viral infection – fever, redness and sore throat. Then frequent profuse vomiting and frequent (5-15 times a day) loose stools, which can be of different shades, including yellow-green, join. Against this background, dehydration quickly develops.

Which doctors to contact

If there are signs of an intestinal infection, especially in a child, it is best to call an ambulance team, which, if necessary, will take the patient to the infectious diseases hospital.

Otherwise, please contact
therapist
general practitioner,
pediatrician
gastroenterologist.

Diagnostics and examinations in case of green stool

To determine the causes of green stool, the doctor conducts a thorough interview and examination of the patient, clarifies the regimen and nature of nutrition, finds out concomitant diseases and conditions.

For a more complete understanding of the picture, a number of laboratory and instrumental research methods may be required:

• complete blood count with an expanded leukocyte formula;

What to do if green stool appears

You need to see a doctor, get an examination and follow the recommendations of a specialist.

To prevent the occurrence of green stools, you should eat a balanced diet, observe personal hygiene, take care of the condition of the gastrointestinal tract.

Treatment for green stools

Treatment is not required only in one case – when the green color of the stool is associated with dietary errors.

Adults with lactase deficiency are advised to follow a diet low in whole and powdered milk. Breastfed children are prescribed lactase preparations, and artificially fed children are prescribed low-lactose or lactose-free mixtures.

With established dysbacteriosis, diet and medications that normalize the intestinal microflora are required. In rare cases, drugs are prescribed that inhibit the growth and development of a certain type of microbe.

In intestinal infections, the main task is to maintain water balance (if necessary, fluid is administered intravenously) and to remove intoxication.

If there is a drug that specifically affects the causative agent of a particular disease (antibiotic, bacteriophage, etc.), it is recommended to be taken. At the same time, measures are taken to restore the intestinal microflora.

Sources:

1. Clinical guidelines “Salmonellosis in adults”. Developed by: National Scientific Society of Infectious Diseases. – 2021.
2. Belmer S.V. Lactose insufficiency: origin and ways of correction // The attending physician.