Types Of Poop: Colors, Frequency, Abnormal Poop & More

What does healthy poop look like?

While “normal” bowel movements can certainly vary, healthy poop should generally follow some basic criteria.

“Poop can range in shapes from what I’ll call bunny poops, which indicate constipation, to a thick pipe (ideal), to watery, which indicates either an infection, too little fiber, or some kind of food sensitivity or reaction,” functional medicine physician Wendie Trubow, M.D., tells mbg.

“Poop can be a number of colors as well depending on what you are eating (which you know if you’ve ever eaten beets) but tends toward shades of brown, from light to dark.”

Different types of poop and what they mean

Your poop color, shape, and texture can indicate certain things about your body and overall health:

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Colors

• Brown: This is normal.
• Red: This could indicate lower GI bleeding, or simply that you ate red-colored foods (like beets).
• Green: This could be a sign of undigested bile, green vegetables in your diet, blue or green food coloring in something you ate, or other digestive issues.
• Yellow: This could possibly mean gallbladder problems or Giardia (parasites).
• White: This may be a side effect of taking antacids, or it could indicate pancreatic disorder or liver disease.
• Black: This might be a sign of upper GI bleeding, eating an excess of meat, or a side effect of taking iron supplements.

The Bristol stool chart

In addition to the infographic below, you can consult the Bristol Stool Chart, a science-based scale outlining different “types” of poop (from Type 1 to Type 7) based on shape and texture, and what they indicate.

Types 1 and 2 indicate constipation, Types 3 and 4 are considered normal, and Types 5 to 7 indicate diarrhea and urgency. Here’s a brief explainer:

• Type 1: Hard small lumps that look almost like little pebbles and are hard to pass. This type of poop is a sign of constipation.
• Type 2: Log-shaped but lumpy and a bit hard. This type also indicates constipation. 
• Type 3: Log-shaped with a few cracks on the surface and easy to pass. This type of bowel movement is considered normal. 
• Type 4: Smooth and snake-like, and easy to pass. This is also normal. 
• Type 5: Soft blobs with clear cut edges that are very easy to pass.
• Type 6: Fluffy, mushy pieces with ragged edges that can be an indicator of mild diarrhea. 
• Type 7: Watery with no solid pieces. This is a clear indicator of diarrhea (i.e., stool moving through your bowels very quickly).

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Here’s an overview of what variations in your poop (and pee) can mean:

Frequency

In addition to color and texture, it’s also important to consider how often you’re pooping.

“Everyone should have at least one bowel movement per day. However, it is normal to have up to three bowel movements daily, one after each meal,” Vincent Pedre, M.D., integrative gut health specialist, previously told mbg.

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What to do if your poop is abnormal

Everyone may have a different “normal” bowel pattern but it is important to understand that if you have a change in bowel habits or you are seeing black tarry stools or red blood in the stool, you need to seek immediate medical attention.

If you’re not pooping enough, or you’re dealing with type 1 or type 2 stool, you’re likely experiencing constipation.

“For many people this is caused by dehydration and a diet low in fiber,” Pedre previously told mbg.

In this case, simple changes such as taking a probiotic with Bifidobacterium (or a spore-based type of probiotic), increasing fluid intake, eating high-fiber foods, and exercising regularly can help manage constipation and get you back into balance.*

On the other hand, if you’re pooping too frequently and dealing with stool types 5 to 7, you’re likely experiencing diarrhea.

If this is the case (and you don’t think it’s caused by something like a stomach bug), there are some things you can try at home.

Adding in a multi-strain probiotic is one way to support a healthy digestive system, says Pedre.*

Also, incorporating starches like rice and boosting your intake of soluble fiber can help bulk up your stool.

However if you’re feeling concerned about the size, shape, or color of your stool, check in with your medical practitioner to determine the best course of action.

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Bottom line

Any “extreme” in your poop’s texture, color, or frequency indicates there may be a problem.

In other words: If your BM feels hard or painful to pass, urgent or liquidy, nonexistent or excessive, or if its color makes you confused (granted you haven’t eaten beets or loads of leafy greens), holler at your doctor.

They can run a stool panel test and refer you to a gastroenterologist if necessary.

Why is Poop Brown and What Do Color Changes Mean?

Poop is normally brown in color. This is due to the processes and chemical reactions that take place in your gut when your food is digested.

A variety of factors, such as health conditions, some types of foods, and certain medications, can change the color of your poop.

In this article, we’ll help explain why poop is usually brown, what can cause it to be a different color, and when this may be a sign of a health issue.

About 75 percent of your poop is made up of water. The remaining 25 percent is a mixture of:

• undigested carbohydrates and fiber
• fat
• protein
• bacteria
• mucus
• old red blood cells
• secretions from your intestines
• chemicals from your liver, including bile

Poop’s brown color is mostly due to bile and bilirubin.

Bile, which has a yellowish-green color, plays many roles in your digestion process. Your liver makes about 500 to 600 milliliters (17 to 20 fl. oz.) of bile every day, which is stored in your gallbladder.

When you eat, your gallbladder contracts, to send bile into your duodenum, the first part of your small intestine. One of the main jobs of bile is to break down fats from the foods you eat.

Another factor that contributes to poop’s brown color is bilirubin. This is a yellow-colored substance in your blood. It forms after red blood cells break down and are excreted through your liver and gallbladder and into your digestive tract.

When you mix your digested food with yellowish-green bile and yellow-colored bilirubin, the result is brown. It can range from dark brown to a pale brown. But sometimes, for a variety of reasons, poop can be a different color.

Most shades of brown, even a greenish-brown, are considered normal and healthy for poop. The shades of brown can vary from one day to the next, based on the foods you eat and the amount of bile in your system.

But if your poop’s color is significantly different than it’s normal brown, it could also be caused by a health condition or medications. Let’s look at what the different colors could mean.

Green

Green poop can be the result of several causes. For example, eating a lot of dark green vegetables, such as broccoli or kale, can result in greenish-colored poop. There’s no health issue or cause for concern in this case.

Other causes of green poop may be due to:

• Antibiotics. Antibiotics may kill the bacteria that help turn your poop brown. This is usually a temporary condition. Once you’re off the medications, your poop should return to its normal color.
• Bacterial infections. Some bacteria, such as salmonella, that don’t usually reside in your gut, can change the color of your poop from brown to green or other colors. Viral infections and parasites can do the same thing. With a serious infection, you’ll have other symptoms too, such as abdominal pain, fever, or diarrhea.
• Gastrointestinal disorders. Conditions such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease can cause green poop, depending on what you’ve been eating.

Black

When your poop turns black, it could be a sign that there’s bleeding in the upper portion of your digestive tract. This could be due to a stomach ulcer or some other bleeding issue. Blood mixing with bile and other digestive fluids can make your poop black and tarry.

Less serious causes of black poop could be due to:

• taking iron supplements
• eating large quantities of black or dark food, like licorice
• taking Pepto Bismol, which contains the active ingredient bismuth subsalicylate that’s known to cause poop to be black or grayish in color

If you have repeated bowel movements of black, tarry poop, it’s important that you follow up with your doctor as soon as possible.

Yellow

Yellow poop can have many causes. Disorders that affect your liver, gallbladder, or pancreas can all play a role in yellow poop. That’s because conditions that affect these organs can interfere with the amount of bile that’s used for digestion.

In infants, yellow poop can also be a sign that digestion is moving too fast, and not all the fat from food is being absorbed by the body.

Other potential causes of yellow poop include:

• celiac disease
• orange or yellow foods in your diet
• stress, which can speed up the digestive process

Red

The sight of red poop can be especially alarming.

If you’re experiencing diarrhea and your poop is red, it could be a sign that you have a viral or bacterial infection, like an E. coli infection, or rotavirus, which is sometimes called the stomach flu, or a stomach bug.

Red poop may also be the result of bleeding in the lower part of your digestive tract. This could be due to:

• diverticulosis
• inflammatory bowel disease
• colonic polyps
• hemorrhoids
• anal fissures
• intestinal infection

Food coloring, like that found in fruit punch, red candy, or Jell-O, may also turn poop red temporarily.

Pale or gray

Pale poop or clay-colored poop is typically a sign that your body isn’t producing healthy levels of bile. It could also be a sign that there are blockages in the bile ducts of your gallbladder, liver or pancreas. This could be due to conditions such as:

• biliary cirrhosis
• cholangitis
• structural defects in your biliary system

Pale or clay-colored poop can also be a warning sign of:

• viral hepatitis
• alcoholic hepatitis
• gallstones
• cysts or tumors in the biliary system

Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), birth control pills, some antibiotics, and anabolic steroids may also cause your poop to be a pale color.

Bacteria and the waste products that collect in your intestines during digestion cause poop to have a smell. But the foods you eat, especially those that are high in sulfur, can also contribute to the odor and make it worse.

Some examples of high-sulfur foods include:

• meat
• garlic
• dairy
• broccoli
• cabbage

When poop smells especially foul, it may be an indication of an underlying issue such as:

• a bacterial or viral infection
• celiac disease
• inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• chronic pancreatitis
• cystic fibrosis
• food allergies
• dairy protein intolerance

Taking antibiotics or too much of a certain vitamin or multivitamin may also cause foul-smelling poop.

If you have one or two bowel movements that are unusual in color, it’s likely due to something you ate or medication you took.

If your poop is still an unusual color after multiple bowel movements, or once you’ve stopped taking a new medication, it’s a good idea to follow up with your healthcare provider.

Other symptoms, along with unusual colored poop, that should prompt a visit to the doctor include:

• diarrhea
• constipation
• ongoing foul-smelling poop
• blood in your stool
• abdominal pain
• pain during bowel movements
• fever

Poop’s brown color is mostly due to bile and bilirubin, which are both a yellowish color. When these substances mix with your digested food, intestinal secretions, bacteria, and old red blood cells in your digestive tract, they turn your waste brown.

Poop can be many shades of brown, ranging from dark chocolate brown to light, sandy brown. This is totally normal. Sometimes your poop may be a different color, like green, yellow, black, or red.

If your poop continues to be an unusual color, it’s best to follow up with a healthcare provider, as it could be a sign of an underlying health condition.

Yellow stools – causes, diseases, diagnosis, prevention and treatment

Description

Yellow stools are usually normal and may be the result of normal digestion. The yellow color of feces is usually due to the presence of bile, which is produced by the liver and helps break down and digest fats. Normal stool can be shades of yellow, brown, or green, depending on diet and digestive processes.

However, if the stool becomes bright yellow, especially in combination with other symptoms, it may indicate some medical condition. For example, jaundice, liver, gallbladder, or pancreatic dysfunction can cause the stool to become more yellow in color.

If you notice unusual changes in stool color, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended that you consult your doctor to diagnose and determine the cause. The doctor will be able to evaluate the medical history, conduct a physical examination and, if necessary, order additional tests to establish an accurate diagnosis.

Why yellow stools are dangerous

Usually, yellow stools are not a sign of a dangerous condition and may be the result of normal physiological processes. However, in rare cases, yellow stools may indicate the presence of certain medical problems that require attention and diagnosis. Here are some of the possible reasons why yellow stools can be associated with dangerous conditions:

1. Jaundice: Jaundice, or hyperbilirubinemia, may be one of the causes of yellow stools. Jaundice occurs when levels of bilirubin (a pigment produced when red blood cells break down) are elevated in the body, which may be due to liver, bile duct, or blood problems.

2. Diseases of the liver and biliary tract: Some diseases of the liver and biliary tract, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, gallstones or tumors, can cause yellow stools.

3. Pancreas: Diseases of the pancreas such as pancreatitis or cysts can cause yellow stools.

4. Fat malabsorption: Certain digestive disorders in which fats are not absorbed efficiently in the intestines can result in yellow stools. This may be due to diseases such as celiac disease or short bowel syndrome.

Physiological causes of yellow stool

The physiological causes of yellow stools are usually related to the digestive process and usually do not pose a health risk. Here are some of the possible physiological causes of yellow stools:

1. Foods: Various foods can affect the color of stool. For example, eating foods rich in carotene, such as carrots or pumpkins, can turn stools yellow. Foods containing artificial colors can also affect the color of stool.

2. Bile: Yellow stools are usually due to the presence of bile pigments, such as bilirubin, which is secreted by the liver and aids in the breakdown of fats. Normal bile can make stool yellow or brown.

3. Fast transit time of food through the intestines: If food passes through the intestines too quickly, as may be the case with strong peristaltic movement or rapid movements of the intestines, this can lead to yellow stools. Rapid food transit can limit the reabsorption of water and bile pigments, making stool thinner and yellower.

4. Food intolerance or allergy: In some people, a food intolerance or allergy can cause discoloration of the stool. For example, lactose or gluten intolerance can cause yellow stools.

Pathological causes of yellow stools

Pathological causes of yellow stools can be associated with various medical conditions and require attention and diagnosis. Here are some of the possible pathological causes of yellow stools:

1. Jaundice: Jaundice may be an pathological cause of yellow stools. Jaundice occurs when levels of bilirubin (a pigment produced when red blood cells break down) are elevated in the body. This may be due to various problems, such as diseases of the liver (eg, hepatitis, cirrhosis), biliary tract (eg, gallstones, choledocholithiasis), or blood.

2. Diseases of the liver and biliary tract: Various diseases of the liver and biliary tract can cause yellow stools. For example, hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, gallstones, or tumors of the liver or gallbladder can change the color of stool to yellow.

3. Pancreas: Diseases of the pancreas, such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or pancreatic cancer, can cause stool to turn yellow in color.

4. Fat malabsorption: Certain digestive disorders in which fats are not absorbed efficiently in the intestines can result in yellow stools. This may be due to diseases such as celiac disease (gluten intolerance) or short bowel syndrome.

5. Infections: Some infections of the gastrointestinal tract, such as bacterial or viral infections, can change the color of stool to yellow.

Accompanying symptoms

Accompanying symptoms of yellow stools may vary depending on the underlying medical condition or cause of the change in stool color. Here are some of the possible accompanying symptoms:

1. Jaundice: In the presence of jaundice, in addition to yellow stools, the following symptoms may occur:

   • Icteric coloration of the skin and whites of the eyes
   • General weakness and fatigue
   • Loss of appetite
   • Dark urine
   • Light color of discolored urine

2. Liver and biliary tract problems: If the change in stool color is due to problems with the liver or biliary tract, the following symptoms may occur:

   • Pain or discomfort in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen
   • Violation of the general condition, weakness
   • Changes in appetite and weight loss
   • Sputum or cough (if lungs are involved)
   • Icteric staining of the skin and eyes (for obstruction of the biliary tract)

3. Diseases of the pancreas: In case of problems with the pancreas, in addition to yellow stools, the following symptoms may be present:

   • Pain in the upper abdomen or back
   • Loss of appetite and underweight
   • Poor digestion (eg, fatty or oily stools)

4. Infections and inflammatory conditions: If yellow stools are associated with infections or inflammatory conditions, the following symptoms may occur:

   • Diarrhea or loose stools
   • Pain in the abdomen or intestines
   • Fever or elevated body temperature
   • Weakness and fatigue

What are the scenarios for the development of events

The scenarios in which the stool becomes yellow can be different and depend on the cause of such a change. Here are some of the possible scenarios:

1. Physiological factors: If the yellow color of the stool is due to physiological causes, such as consumption of certain foods or changes in bile pigments, the scenarios may be as follows:

   • The color of the stool returns to normal (eg brown) after some time or a change in diet.
   • Intermittent occurrence of yellow stools depending on the consumption of certain foods or factors.

2. Medical conditions: If the yellow color of the stool is associated with medical conditions or pathological causes, the scenarios may be as follows:

   • Progression of symptoms and increased yellow coloration of stools with progression of an underlying disease such as liver, biliary or pancreatic disease.
   • Change in other associated symptoms such as icteric discoloration of the skin and eyes, abdominal pain or discomfort, fatigue and weight loss.
   • The need for additional examinations and treatment depending on the underlying diagnosis and severity of the condition.

What causes yellow stools

Yellow stools can be associated with various diseases and medical conditions. Some of the possible causes of yellow stools include:

1. Jaundice: Jaundice is one of the main causes of yellow stools. It can be caused by various liver, bile duct or blood related problems. Some examples include hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, gallstones, and hemolytic anemia.

2. Diseases of the liver and biliary tract: Various diseases of the liver and biliary tract can cause yellow stools. Examples include inflammatory liver disease, liver tumors, gallstones or biliary obstruction.

3. Pancreas: Diseases of the pancreas such as pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer can cause yellow stools.

4. Fat malabsorption: Certain digestive disorders in which fats are not absorbed efficiently enough can result in yellow stools. This may be due to conditions such as celiac disease or short bowel syndrome.

5. Infections: Some infections of the gastrointestinal tract, such as bacterial or viral infections, can change the color of stool to yellow.

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What Tests to Get

If you have yellow stools and associated symptoms, you may have a series of tests to determine the cause of the change. Here are some of the possible surveys:

1. Clinical analysis of feces: Examination of a stool sample can help identify the presence of infection, pathological conditions or other abnormalities that can cause yellow color.

2. Fecal Occult Blood Test: This test will help rule out bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, which may be one of the causes of yellow stools.

3. Blood tests: Blood tests can help evaluate the function of the liver, biliary tract, and pancreas. The levels of certain pigments and enzymes may also be measured.

4. Abdominal Ultrasound: Ultrasound of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas can help identify structural changes, tumors, stones, or other abnormalities.

5. Endoscopic examinations: Depending on the clinical picture and suspicion of certain pathologies, the doctor may recommend endoscopic procedures such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or colonoscopy to examine the digestive system in more detail.

6. Additional tests: In some cases, more specialized tests such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), x-rays, or biopsy may be ordered, depending on the suspected diagnosis.

What can be removed

Removal of yellow stool depends on its cause. Here are some possible approaches to removing yellow stools:

1. Treatment of the underlying disease: If yellow stool is associated with a specific disease such as jaundice, hepatitis, biliary tract disease, or other conditions, then it is important to treat the underlying disease. Treatment may include antiviral drugs, anti-infective agents, anti-inflammatory drugs, cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder), or other methods prescribed by the doctor.

2. Diet change: In some cases, changing the diet may help clear yellow stools. A doctor or dietitian may recommend increasing your intake of fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains, as well as drinking more water. In addition, there may be recommendations to limit the consumption of fatty and fried foods.

3. Digestive drugs: In some cases, when yellow stool is associated with indigestion or insufficient work of digestive enzymes, a doctor may prescribe digestive drugs. These medications can help improve digestion and normalize stool color.

4. Avoiding Toxic Substances: If yellow stools are caused by exposure to toxic substances such as drugs or chemicals, it is important to avoid these substances and consult your doctor about changing or adjusting medications.

Which doctor to contact

When yellow stools appear, it is recommended to see a doctor for evaluation and diagnosis. Possible doctors you can go to include:

1. Physician (Internal Physician): The Physician may be your first point of contact, who will conduct an initial assessment, take a medical history, and refer you for additional examinations or specialist consultations, if necessary.

2. Gastroenterologist: A gastroenterologist specializes in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and can help diagnose and treat problems related to the digestive system.

3. Hepatologist: A hepatologist deals with diseases of the liver and may be helpful if yellow stools are associated with pathologies of the liver or biliary tract.

4. Endocrinologist: An endocrinologist specializes in endocrine disorders that may be associated with yellowing of the skin and stool.

5. Surgeon: If yellow stool is associated with certain surgical problems, such as gallstones or tumors, a surgeon may need to be consulted.

It is important to consult with your doctor to get a professional medical assessment of your condition and to prescribe the necessary examinations and treatment. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate path for diagnosis and treatment based on your symptoms, medical history, and test results.

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Grayish-white stools – causes, diseases, diagnosis, prevention and treatment

Description

Grayish-white stools can indicate several possible health and digestive conditions. Here are some possible short descriptions:

1. Pale and thickened: This may indicate problems with the liver or gallbladder, such as obstruction of the flow of bile.

2. Greyish-white and runny: This color of stool can be a sign of a malfunctioning pancreas and insufficient secretion of digestive enzymes.

3. Pale and foamy: This may indicate problems with digestion and insufficient absorption of fats, possibly caused by a deficiency of bile acids.

4. Greyish-white with blood: This color of stool, especially with blood, can be a sign of bleeding in the upper parts of the digestive system, such as the stomach or duodenum.

It is important to note that changes in stool color can have various causes and the description itself is not a diagnosis. If you experience changes in stool color or other unusual symptoms, it is recommended that you consult your doctor for a more accurate assessment of your health condition.

Why grayish-white stools are dangerous

Grayish-white stools can be a sign of various diseases and problems in the body. Some of the possible causes and associated potential hazards may include:

1. Liver Problems: Grayish-white stools may indicate liver problems, such as obstruction of bile flow or jaundice. These conditions may be associated with liver disease, such as gallstone disease, hepatitis, or cirrhosis. Late treatment and management of these conditions can lead to disease progression and further damage to the liver.

2. Pancreatic problems: Insufficient secretion of digestive enzymes by the pancreas can lead to improper digestion and absorption of food. This can lead to nutrient and vitamin deficiencies, which can cause general weakness, vitamin deficiencies, and cheerfulness.

3. Bleeding in the digestive system: Grayish-white stools with blood may indicate bleeding in the upper parts of the digestive system, such as the stomach, esophagus, or duodenum. Bleeding requires immediate attention as it may be associated with serious problems such as an ulcer, swelling, or inflammation.

Physiological causes of grayish-white stools

Grayish-white stools can also be caused by some physiological causes, which are not always associated with serious diseases. Here are some of the possible physiological causes of grayish-white stools:

1. Eating certain foods: Eating a lot of dairy products, especially if you have low levels of lactase (an enzyme needed to digest lactose), can cause a temporary change in stool color.

2. Use of drugs and supplements: Some drugs, such as antacids or antiepileptic drugs, can change the color of stool to light or grayish white.

3. Rapid transit of food: If food passes through the digestive system too quickly, it may not have time to be completely broken down and absorbed, which may result in light-colored stools.

4. Weakened digestion: Some conditions, such as stress, anemia, or an imbalance in the intestinal flora, can impair the digestive process and lead to discoloration of the stool.

5. Excess dietary fat: If you have a high intake of fatty foods or problems with fat digestion, your stool may become grayish in color.

Pathological causes of grayish-white stools

Grayish-white stools can also be caused by a number of pathological causes associated with diseases or disorders of the digestive system. Here are some of the possible pathological causes of grayish-white stools:

1. Liver disorders: Liver disorders such as gallstones, hepatitis, or cirrhosis can interfere with the production or flow of bile, which affects the color of the stool.

2. Gallbladder disorders: Gallbladder problems, including obstruction of the bile ducts or the presence of stones, can lead to grayish stools.

3. Pancreatic insufficiency: Insufficient function of the pancreas due to pancreatitis, tumors or other causes can lead to a lack of digestive enzymes, which affects the color and consistency of stool.

4. Jaundice: Jaundice can cause iron skin or an abnormal change in bilirubin metabolism, which can lead to discoloration of the stool.

5. Bile duct obstruction: Obstruction or blockage of the bile duct can cause obstruction of the flow of bile and discoloration of the stool.

6. Malignant tumors: A rare but serious cause of grayish-white stools may be the presence of a malignant tumor in the digestive system, such as the stomach, pancreas, or liver.

Accompanying symptoms

Accompanying symptoms that may accompany grayish-white stools may vary depending on the cause of the discoloration and comorbidities. Some of the possible symptoms that may be observed include:

1. Jaundice: Jaundice is characterized by yellowness of the skin, eyes and mucous membranes. It may be associated with obstruction of the bile ducts or a disorder of bilirubin metabolism, which can lead to grayish-white stools.

2. Nutrient deficiencies: If food is not broken down and absorbed properly due to inadequate secretion of digestive enzymes or other digestive problems, symptoms associated with nutrient deficiencies such as general weakness, weight loss, or vitamin deficiencies may occur.

3. Abdominal pain: Some digestive disorders associated with grayish-white stools may be accompanied by pain or discomfort in the abdomen, especially in the area of ​​the liver or gallbladder.

4. Decreased Appetite and Nausea: Digestive problems, such as pancreatic or gallbladder dysfunction, may cause decreased appetite and nausea.

5. General weakness and fatigue: If the diet is not digested properly and does not provide the body with the necessary nutrients, this can lead to general weakness and fatigue.

What are the scenarios

Options for the development of events in the presence of grayish-white feces depend on the cause of this condition. Here are some possible scenarios:

1. Physiological explanation: If grayish-white stools are due to physiological factors, such as consumption of certain foods or drugs, the change may be temporary and self-limiting. After you stop consuming these foods or drugs, your stool may return to its normal color.

2. Condition Requiring Treatment: If grayish-white stool is caused by a disease or condition, a physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment. Depending on the specific diagnosis and cause, options may include treatment for the disease, medication, surgery, or other medical procedures.

3. Additional Tests Required: If grayish-white stools, accompanying symptoms, or ongoing discoloration occur, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the cause. This may include blood tests, ultrasounds, x-rays, colonoscopy, or other procedures to evaluate the condition of the digestive system.

What diseases cause grayish-white stools

Grayish-white stools can be associated with several diseases and disorders of the digestive system. Here are some of them:

1. Liver disorders: Liver disorders such as gallstones, hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer can interfere with the production or flow of bile, which affects the color of the stool.

2. Gallbladder disorders: Gallbladder problems, including gallstones, obstruction of the bile ducts, or inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), can cause stools to turn grayish white in color.

3. Pancreatic insufficiency: Insufficient function of the pancreas due to pancreatitis, tumors or other causes can lead to a lack of digestive enzymes, which affects the color of the stool.

4. Jaundice: Jaundice may cause discoloration of the stool. Jaundice may be due to problems with the formation, transport or metabolism of bilirubin, which leads to the accumulation of bile pigment and discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes and feces.

5. Bile duct obstruction: Obstruction or blockage of the bile duct due to stones, tumors, or other causes may interfere with the flow of bile and change the color of the stool.

6. Malignancies: Cancer of the pancreas, stomach, liver, or other parts of the digestive system can cause grayish-white stools.

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Borisov Evgeny Nikolaevich

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What tests to get

If you have grayish-white stools and associated symptoms, you may have several tests to determine the cause of this condition. Here are some of the possible surveys:

1. CBC: Blood may be tested to evaluate levels of certain indicators such as liver enzymes, bilirubin, and other indicators that may indicate problems with the liver or biliary tract.

2. Fecal Occult Blood Test: This test detects the presence of blood in the stool, which may be associated with certain digestive disorders, including tumors or inflammation.

3. Abdominal Ultrasound: Ultrasound can help rule out or identify problems with the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and other organs in the abdomen.

4. Computed tomography (CT): A CT scan may be performed to obtain more detailed information about the condition of the liver, bile ducts, and other organs of the digestive system.

5. Colonoscopy: This is a procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera (colonoscope) is used to look at the large intestine. Colonoscopy allows you to identify possible changes in the intestines, tumors or other pathologies.

6. MRI of the liver and bile ducts: Magnetic resonance imaging can be used to image the liver, bile ducts, and related structures in more detail.

How to get rid of

Removal of grayish-white stool depends on the underlying cause of this condition. If the cause is physiological and is associated, for example, with nutrition or taking certain drugs, the discoloration of the feces may resolve itself after the cessation of exposure to these factors. However, if the change in stool color is caused by a pathological condition or disease, treatment of the underlying cause is required.

It is important to see a doctor for a specific recommendation and treatment plan. The following are some general treatment approaches that may be applied depending on the cause of grayish-white stools:

1. Treatment of pathological conditions: If the grayish-white stool is associated with a disease of the liver, biliary tract, pancreas or other pathologies, the doctor may prescribe the appropriate treatment. This may include drugs, surgery, or other medical procedures, depending on the diagnosis.

2. Dietary changes: In some cases, dietary changes may be helpful. A doctor or dietitian may recommend a specific diet that helps normalize stool color. For example, if you have problems digesting fats, you may need to limit your intake of fatty foods.

3. Replacement Therapy: In cases where grayish stools are due to a lack of digestive enzymes, your doctor may prescribe replacement therapy to help with digestion and normalize stool color. For example, preparations containing enzymes can be used to aid in digestion.

Which doctor to contact

If grayish-white stools are present, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist or general practitioner (family doctor) for diagnosis and determination of the cause of this condition. A gastroenterologist specializes in diseases of the digestive system and can provide more specific evaluation and treatment.

In some cases, the doctor may recommend additional consultation with other specialists, depending on the accompanying symptoms and suspected causes. For example:

• Hepatologist (doctor who specializes in diseases of the liver) if a liver or biliary tract disease is suspected.
• Oncologist (doctor who specializes in cancer) if a tumor or cancer is suspected.
• Endocrinologist (doctor who specializes in endocrine disorders) if there is a suspicion of thyroid or other endocrine disorders.