What causes yellow stool in adults and infants. How diet, stress, and various medical conditions affect stool color. When should you be concerned about yellow stools. What are the complications of persistent yellow stools.

Understanding Normal Stool Color and Its Variations

Stool color is an important indicator of digestive health. Typically, stools are brown due to the balance of bilirubin and bile in the digestive system. However, various factors can cause changes in stool color, including yellow stools. Are yellow stools always a cause for concern? Not necessarily. In infants, yellow stools are considered normal. For adults, however, persistent yellow stools may signal an underlying health issue.

What determines the color of our stools? The primary factor is bile, a yellow-green fluid produced by the liver. As bile travels through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, enzymes cause changes that typically result in brown-colored stools. However, when this process is disrupted, it can lead to variations in stool color, including yellow.

Common Stool Color Variations and Their Causes

• Green: Often caused by leafy vegetables, food coloring, iron supplements, or rapid intestinal transit
• Yellow, pale brown, or gray: May indicate giardiasis or liver/gallbladder issues
• Orange: Can result from eating carrots, winter squash, or taking certain medications
• Blue: Usually due to consuming blue-colored foods or drinks
• Black: Possibly caused by iron supplements, certain medications, or upper GI bleeding
• Bright red: Can be from red-colored foods or lower GI bleeding

When should you be concerned about stool color changes? While occasional variations are normal, consistent changes lasting more than two weeks or accompanied by other symptoms warrant medical attention. This is especially true for red or black stools, which may indicate bleeding in the digestive tract.

8 Common Causes of Yellow Stool

Yellow stools can have various causes, ranging from dietary factors to serious medical conditions. Understanding these causes can help you determine whether your yellow stools are a cause for concern or a simple dietary issue.

1. Dietary Factors

Can your diet cause yellow stools? Absolutely. Certain foods and nutrients can significantly impact stool color. Foods that may lead to yellow stools include:

• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes
• Turmeric
• Foods containing yellow food coloring
• High-fat foods
• Gluten-rich foods (in some individuals)

If you frequently experience yellow stools, consider reducing your intake of fatty, processed foods and items containing gluten. Monitor your symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if the issue persists.

2. Stress and Anxiety

How does stress affect stool color? Stress and anxiety can have surprising effects on our digestive system. They can accelerate the digestive process, leading to malabsorption of nutrients. This rapid transit through the intestines may result in yellow, poorly formed stools or diarrhea.

To address stress-related digestive issues, consider stress-reduction techniques such as:

• Reducing commitments
• Practicing yoga or meditation
• Seeking professional help from a therapist
• Engaging in regular physical exercise

3. Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption. In individuals with celiac disease, gluten ingestion prompts an immune response that damages the small intestine’s lining. This damage impairs the intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients properly, often resulting in yellow stools.

What are the symptoms of celiac disease besides yellow stools? Common signs include:

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea and bloating
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Depression

While there’s no cure for celiac disease, strict adherence to a gluten-free diet can effectively manage the condition and alleviate symptoms.

4. Pancreatic Disorders

The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion by producing enzymes necessary for breaking down food. Various pancreatic disorders can lead to yellow, greasy, or frothy stools. These conditions include:

• Chronic pancreatitis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Pancreatic cancer
• Blockage of the pancreatic duct

In these conditions, the pancreas fails to provide sufficient enzymes for proper digestion, leading to the malabsorption of fats and other nutrients. This results in stools that are yellow and often have a distinctive greasy appearance.

Liver Disorders and Their Impact on Stool Color

The liver plays a vital role in digestion by producing bile, which helps break down fats and gives stool its characteristic brown color. How do liver disorders affect stool color? Conditions such as cirrhosis and hepatitis can reduce or eliminate bile production, leading to pale or yellow stools.

Bile salts are essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. When liver disorders interfere with bile production, it can result in various digestive issues, including:

• Malabsorption of fats
• Difficulty digesting certain nutrients
• Changes in stool color and consistency
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

If you experience persistent yellow stools along with other symptoms like fatigue, abdominal pain, or jaundice, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Gallbladder Issues and Yellow Stools

The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver. How do gallbladder problems affect stool color? Gallbladder disorders and gallstones can interfere with bile release, potentially leading to yellow or pale stools.

What are the symptoms of gallbladder issues besides yellow stools? Common signs include:

• Abdominal pain, especially after eating fatty foods
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sudden drop in blood pressure
• Jaundice
• Nausea and vomiting

Treatment for gallbladder issues varies depending on the specific condition. For gallstones, options may include medication to dissolve the stones or surgical removal of the gallbladder in severe cases.

Gilbert Syndrome: A Genetic Cause of Yellow Stools

Gilbert syndrome is a genetic liver disorder affecting 3-7% of Americans. This condition causes periodic elevations in bilirubin levels, which can lead to mild jaundice and yellow stools. How does Gilbert syndrome differ from other liver disorders?

• It’s generally harmless and doesn’t require treatment
• Symptoms are often mild and may go unnoticed
• It doesn’t progressively damage the liver
• Episodes may be triggered by stress, fasting, or illness

While Gilbert syndrome can cause yellow stools, it typically doesn’t lead to serious health complications. However, if you suspect you have this condition, it’s still important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management.

Yellow Stools in Infants: When to Be Concerned

Yellow stools are common and often normal in infants, especially those who are breastfed. However, there are instances when yellow stools in babies may indicate a problem. What should parents watch for?

• Consistency: Watery or extremely loose stools may signal diarrhea
• Frequency: Sudden changes in bowel movement frequency
• Other symptoms: Fever, irritability, or poor feeding
• Color changes: Stools that are white, gray, or contain blood

When should parents seek medical attention for their infant’s yellow stools? If yellow stools persist beyond the first few months of life, are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, or if there’s any doubt about the baby’s health, it’s best to consult a pediatrician.

Diagnostic Approaches for Persistent Yellow Stools

If you’re experiencing persistent yellow stools, your healthcare provider may recommend various diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause. What are some common diagnostic approaches for yellow stools?

• Stool analysis: Examines stool samples for signs of infection, inflammation, or malabsorption
• Blood tests: Can reveal liver function, pancreatic enzymes, and other relevant markers
• Imaging studies: Such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to examine the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas
• Endoscopy: Allows direct visualization of the upper GI tract
• Colonoscopy: Examines the lower GI tract for abnormalities

The specific tests recommended will depend on your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination findings. It’s crucial to provide your healthcare provider with a detailed account of your symptoms and any recent dietary changes or medications.

Treatment Options for Yellow Stools

Treatment for yellow stools depends on the underlying cause. How are different causes of yellow stools addressed?

• Dietary causes: Adjusting diet and avoiding trigger foods
• Celiac disease: Strict adherence to a gluten-free diet
• Pancreatic disorders: Enzyme replacement therapy, dietary changes, and treatment of the underlying condition
• Liver disorders: Medication, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, liver transplantation
• Gallbladder issues: Medication or surgical intervention, depending on severity

In many cases, yellow stools resolve on their own or with simple dietary modifications. However, persistent yellow stools or those accompanied by other symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out serious underlying conditions.

Preventing Yellow Stools: Lifestyle and Dietary Considerations

While not all causes of yellow stools are preventable, there are steps you can take to promote healthy digestion and reduce the likelihood of experiencing yellow stools. What lifestyle and dietary changes can help?

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Limit consumption of fatty, processed foods
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques and regular exercise
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
• If you have known food sensitivities, such as gluten intolerance, strictly adhere to the appropriate diet

Remember, occasional changes in stool color are normal and often reflect variations in diet. However, if you experience persistent yellow stools or other concerning symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and guidance.

The Importance of Monitoring Stool Color

Paying attention to your stool color and consistency can provide valuable insights into your digestive health. While it may seem unpleasant, regular monitoring can help you detect potential health issues early. How can you effectively monitor your stool health?

• Take note of any persistent changes in color or consistency
• Be aware of other accompanying symptoms, such as abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits
• Keep a food diary if you suspect dietary factors are influencing your stool color
• Don’t hesitate to discuss concerns with your healthcare provider

By staying attentive to your digestive health and promptly addressing any concerns, you can take proactive steps towards maintaining overall well-being and catching potential health issues in their early stages.

Yellow stool: 8 causes

Stool is usually brown because of a balance of bilirubin and bile. An imbalance can cause stool to become yellow. This could be due to dietary factors, a liver problem, a gallbladder disorder, or another health condition.

Stools may change color for various reasons, including a person’s diet and various underlying medical conditions. Yellow is a normal variation of stool color in infants.

Changes in stool color are also normal. Watch for consistent changes over time and consult with a doctor if other symptoms are present.

This article will outline the causes of yellow stool in adults and infants, complications, and when to see a doctor.

A person’s diet and the level of bile present in the stool directly influence a person’s stool color. Bile is yellow-green, and as it travels through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, enzymes cause changes that turn it brown.

All shades of brown-colored stool are normal. If a person’s stool is red or black, or other changes remain longer than 2 weeks or come with other symptoms, they should consult a doctor.

Stools can be other colors, including:

• Green: Eating leafy green vegetables, green food coloring, iron supplements, or diarrhea moving food through the intestine too quickly may cause this color.
• Yellow, pale brown, or gray: Giardiasis can cause bright yellow diarrhea. Pale yellow or gray stool can result from problems in the liver or gallbladder.
• Orange: Eating carrots, winter squash, antibiotics, or antacids could cause this color.
• Blue: Usually the result of eating artificially blue foods or drinking blue beverages.
• Black, tarry: Eating black licorice or taking iron supplements, and bleeding in the upper GI tract, cirrhosis, or colorectal cancer can also cause black stool. Medication containing bismuth subsalicylate, better known as Pepto Bismol or Kaopectate, can also cause black, tarry stools.
• Bright red: Eating or drinking red, artificially colored food or drinks can cause this. Certain conditions can cause bleeding in the upper GI tract, such as cirrhosis or GI tumors. Hemorrhoids can cause bleeding in the lower GI tract and cause stool to be red.

Possible causes of yellow stool include:

Diet

Since the GI tract processes food for elimination, what a person eats can affect the color of their stool.

Carrots, sweet potatoes, turmeric, and foods that contain yellow food coloring may cause stool to become yellow.

A diet high in fat or gluten can also lead to yellow stool.

If a person regularly has yellow stools, they should try avoiding fatty, processed foods, gluten, or anything that causes an upset stomach.

Stress

Stress and anxiety can have many physical effects on the body, including speeding up the digestive process.

As a result, the body may not be able to absorb all of the nutrients in food, which may lead to diarrhea or yellow stool.

Taking steps to relieve stress by reducing commitments, practicing yoga, or seeing a therapist may help reduce physical symptoms.

Celiac disease

If people with celiac disease eat gluten, a protein in wheat, rye, and barley, their immune system responds by attacking the tissues of their small intestine.

This immune response causes tissue damage and compromises the intestines’ ability to absorb nutrients.

In addition to yellow stool, symptoms of celiac disease include:

• diarrhea
• constipation
• nausea
• bloating
• fatigue
• headaches
• depression

There is no cure for celiac disease, but a person can effectively manage the condition by avoiding gluten.

Disorders of the pancreas

Disorders of the pancreas can cause yellow or pale stool. Some of these disorders include:

• chronic pancreatitis
• cystic fibrosis
• pancreatic cancer
• blockage of the pancreatic duct

In people with these conditions, the pancreas cannot provide enough enzymes for the intestines to digest food. Undigested fat can lead to yellow stool that also appears greasy or frothy.

Liver disorders

Disorders of the liver, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis, can lower or eliminate bile salts in the body.

Bile salts are essential for the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. The removal of these salts can result in yellow stools.

Gallbladder disorders

Gallbladder problems and gallstones can also reduce the level of bile salts in the body. This reduction can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:

• abdominal pain
• a fast heartbeat
• an abrupt drop in blood pressure
• jaundice, the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes
• pale stool

Treatment will depend on the specific gallbladder issue. The treatment for gallstones, for example, may include medication to dissolve the stones. In some cases, a person may need surgery.

Gilbert syndrome

Gilbert syndrome is a genetic liver disorder that affects 3–7% of Americans.

People with Gilbert syndrome have periods when their bilirubin levels are too high. Symptoms include mild jaundice and yellow stool. However, the symptoms can be so mild that most people do not notice them or know they have the condition.

Giardiasis

Giardiasis is a common intestinal infection caused by a microscopic parasite. A person can contract the Giardia parasite by ingesting Giardia cysts, usually through contaminated food or water.

Symptoms of giardiasis include:

• stomach cramps
• foul-smelling diarrhea
• yellow diarrhea
• nausea
• fever
• headaches
• weight loss

A doctor can diagnose giardiasis by testing a person’s stool samples. Treatment involves antibiotics, and the symptoms can last for up to a few weeks. In rare cases, the infection can be long term.

In infants, shades of yellow, brown, and green are all common stool colors. Babies fed formula may have thicker and darker stools, similar to mustard or soft play dough.

In the first week after birth, babies fed human milk will have three or four mustard-yellow, loose stools every 24 hours.

Speak with a doctor if an infant has red, black, or white poop, as this can indicate a problem.

An older adults’ diet or an underlying medical condition may cause yellow stools.

Liver or gallbladder disorders can reduce the production of bile salts, resulting in pale or yellow-colored stools.

If accompanied by diarrhea, older adults should avoid dehydration by drinking water or using oral rehydration solutions.

Yellow stool by itself does not lead to complications, but the underlying cause of it might.

Yellow stool may indicate a malabsorption disorder caused by a parasite, illness, or disease.

Malabsorption of fat can lead to an increased fat content in stools, which can be pale, large, foul-smelling, and loose. This is known as steatorrhea, and complications may include:

• malnutrition
• weight loss
• vitamin deficiencies
• iron deficiency anemia
• poor bone health

Yellow stool is usually due to dietary changes or food colors. However, if the color change continues for several days or other symptoms are present, it is best to contact a doctor.

A person should see a doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms with yellow stool:

• a fever
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• pus-filled stool
• inability to urinate
• trouble breathing
• fainting
• a lack of awareness
• confusion or mental changes

The cause of yellow stool is usually related to a person’s diet, but it can also result from underlying health problems.

Some health problems can lead to malabsorption and malnutrition which can cause a loss of important vitamins and nutrients.

It is essential to look out for additional symptoms and see a doctor if the yellow color persists. The treatment will depend on the underlying cause.

Read the article in Spanish.

Yellow stool: 8 causes

Stool is usually brown because of a balance of bilirubin and bile. An imbalance can cause stool to become yellow. This could be due to dietary factors, a liver problem, a gallbladder disorder, or another health condition.

Stools may change color for various reasons, including a person’s diet and various underlying medical conditions. Yellow is a normal variation of stool color in infants.

Changes in stool color are also normal. Watch for consistent changes over time and consult with a doctor if other symptoms are present.

This article will outline the causes of yellow stool in adults and infants, complications, and when to see a doctor.

A person’s diet and the level of bile present in the stool directly influence a person’s stool color. Bile is yellow-green, and as it travels through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, enzymes cause changes that turn it brown.

All shades of brown-colored stool are normal. If a person’s stool is red or black, or other changes remain longer than 2 weeks or come with other symptoms, they should consult a doctor.

Stools can be other colors, including:

• Green: Eating leafy green vegetables, green food coloring, iron supplements, or diarrhea moving food through the intestine too quickly may cause this color.
• Yellow, pale brown, or gray: Giardiasis can cause bright yellow diarrhea. Pale yellow or gray stool can result from problems in the liver or gallbladder.
• Orange: Eating carrots, winter squash, antibiotics, or antacids could cause this color.
• Blue: Usually the result of eating artificially blue foods or drinking blue beverages.
• Black, tarry: Eating black licorice or taking iron supplements, and bleeding in the upper GI tract, cirrhosis, or colorectal cancer can also cause black stool. Medication containing bismuth subsalicylate, better known as Pepto Bismol or Kaopectate, can also cause black, tarry stools.
• Bright red: Eating or drinking red, artificially colored food or drinks can cause this. Certain conditions can cause bleeding in the upper GI tract, such as cirrhosis or GI tumors. Hemorrhoids can cause bleeding in the lower GI tract and cause stool to be red.

Possible causes of yellow stool include:

Diet

Since the GI tract processes food for elimination, what a person eats can affect the color of their stool.

Carrots, sweet potatoes, turmeric, and foods that contain yellow food coloring may cause stool to become yellow.

A diet high in fat or gluten can also lead to yellow stool.

If a person regularly has yellow stools, they should try avoiding fatty, processed foods, gluten, or anything that causes an upset stomach.

Stress

Stress and anxiety can have many physical effects on the body, including speeding up the digestive process.

As a result, the body may not be able to absorb all of the nutrients in food, which may lead to diarrhea or yellow stool.

Taking steps to relieve stress by reducing commitments, practicing yoga, or seeing a therapist may help reduce physical symptoms.

Celiac disease

If people with celiac disease eat gluten, a protein in wheat, rye, and barley, their immune system responds by attacking the tissues of their small intestine.

This immune response causes tissue damage and compromises the intestines’ ability to absorb nutrients.

In addition to yellow stool, symptoms of celiac disease include:

• diarrhea
• constipation
• nausea
• bloating
• fatigue
• headaches
• depression

There is no cure for celiac disease, but a person can effectively manage the condition by avoiding gluten.

Disorders of the pancreas

Disorders of the pancreas can cause yellow or pale stool. Some of these disorders include:

• chronic pancreatitis
• cystic fibrosis
• pancreatic cancer
• blockage of the pancreatic duct

In people with these conditions, the pancreas cannot provide enough enzymes for the intestines to digest food. Undigested fat can lead to yellow stool that also appears greasy or frothy.

Liver disorders

Disorders of the liver, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis, can lower or eliminate bile salts in the body.

Bile salts are essential for the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. The removal of these salts can result in yellow stools.

Gallbladder disorders

Gallbladder problems and gallstones can also reduce the level of bile salts in the body. This reduction can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:

• abdominal pain
• a fast heartbeat
• an abrupt drop in blood pressure
• jaundice, the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes
• pale stool

Treatment will depend on the specific gallbladder issue. The treatment for gallstones, for example, may include medication to dissolve the stones. In some cases, a person may need surgery.

Gilbert syndrome

Gilbert syndrome is a genetic liver disorder that affects 3–7% of Americans.

People with Gilbert syndrome have periods when their bilirubin levels are too high. Symptoms include mild jaundice and yellow stool. However, the symptoms can be so mild that most people do not notice them or know they have the condition.

Giardiasis

Giardiasis is a common intestinal infection caused by a microscopic parasite. A person can contract the Giardia parasite by ingesting Giardia cysts, usually through contaminated food or water.

Symptoms of giardiasis include:

• stomach cramps
• foul-smelling diarrhea
• yellow diarrhea
• nausea
• fever
• headaches
• weight loss

A doctor can diagnose giardiasis by testing a person’s stool samples. Treatment involves antibiotics, and the symptoms can last for up to a few weeks. In rare cases, the infection can be long term.

In infants, shades of yellow, brown, and green are all common stool colors. Babies fed formula may have thicker and darker stools, similar to mustard or soft play dough.

In the first week after birth, babies fed human milk will have three or four mustard-yellow, loose stools every 24 hours.

Speak with a doctor if an infant has red, black, or white poop, as this can indicate a problem.

An older adults’ diet or an underlying medical condition may cause yellow stools.

Liver or gallbladder disorders can reduce the production of bile salts, resulting in pale or yellow-colored stools.

If accompanied by diarrhea, older adults should avoid dehydration by drinking water or using oral rehydration solutions.

Yellow stool by itself does not lead to complications, but the underlying cause of it might.

Yellow stool may indicate a malabsorption disorder caused by a parasite, illness, or disease.

Malabsorption of fat can lead to an increased fat content in stools, which can be pale, large, foul-smelling, and loose. This is known as steatorrhea, and complications may include:

• malnutrition
• weight loss
• vitamin deficiencies
• iron deficiency anemia
• poor bone health

Yellow stool is usually due to dietary changes or food colors. However, if the color change continues for several days or other symptoms are present, it is best to contact a doctor.

A person should see a doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms with yellow stool:

• a fever
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• pus-filled stool
• inability to urinate
• trouble breathing
• fainting
• a lack of awareness
• confusion or mental changes

The cause of yellow stool is usually related to a person’s diet, but it can also result from underlying health problems.

Some health problems can lead to malabsorption and malnutrition which can cause a loss of important vitamins and nutrients.

It is essential to look out for additional symptoms and see a doctor if the yellow color persists. The treatment will depend on the underlying cause.

Read the article in Spanish.

Yellow diarrhea: causes, methods of treatment and prevention in adults

Author, editor and medical expert – Zavgorodnyaya Ekaterina Aleksandrovna.

Editor and medical expert – Harutyunyan Mariam Harutyunovna.

Number of views: 1 320 410

Date last updated: 2 Contents:

Causes of yellow stool in an adult
Treatment
What medicines can the doctor prescribe?

Normal stool has an elongated “sausage” shape, soft texture, and color in different shades of brown ¹ . Unusual yellow or orange coloration of stools may be quite normal ¹ , but if loose yellow stools are persistent or recur from time to time, a medical examination may be warranted. We talk about the causes of yellow feces with diarrhea and the treatment of diarrhea in the article.

Causes of yellow stool in an adult

Brown stool is associated with the “dye” stercobilin ¹ . It is formed from the bile enzyme bilirubin after it is processed by intestinal bacteria ¹ . A smaller amount of stercobilin and different impurities can give the feces different shades of yellow ¹ . Let’s figure out how this happens.

Diseases of the gallbladder

The gallbladder secretes bile in portions when we eat something. This synchrony is disturbed by inflammation of the gallbladder, its absence, or problems with the movement of bile through the biliary tract (dyskinesia) ¹⁰ . Bile, which enters the intestines at the wrong time, does not find food there that needs to be digested. Free bile speeds up the work of the intestines and increases the release of fluid into its lumen, so the stool becomes liquid ⁹ . And since “pure” bilirubin enters the feces, which did not have time to turn into stercobilin, diarrhea and golden yellow stools occur ^9.10 .

Nutrition

Loose yellow stools are common among dairy drinkers ¹² . Fats and milk sugar in their composition digest the enzymes of the digestive system. But if there is too much “milk” in the diet, enzymes may not be enough. Part of the milk sugar is not digested and develops a syndrome of malabsorption – impaired digestion and absorption. It manifests as diarrhea with yellow stools ¹² .

Yellow loose stools may occur with excessive consumption of ³ :

• animal milk;
• sour cream and yogurt;
• cottage cheese and curd products;
• kefir, curdled milk and acidophilus;
• hard and soft cheeses;
• butter.

Lactase deficiency

Sometimes the body is not able to digest milk sugar due to a deficiency of the necessary enzyme – lactase. The problem is quite common – lactase deficiency is present in 20% of people. It can be a congenital feature of digestion, a manifestation of food allergies or intestinal diseases ^3,8,12 .

Undigested lactose is fermented by intestinal bacteria, but some of the milk sugar remains unprocessed and, getting into the stool, turns it yellow. Diarrhea usually bothers even if you eat very little dairy products, and is accompanied by bloating and pain in the abdomen ^3.8 .

Celiac disease

In celiac disease, the body cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats ² Not only cereals from these cereals are rich in cereals, but also ordinary bakery products, pasta, pastries, breakfast cereals, even “crab” meat and sticks ⁴ .

If you eat a gluten product, an autoimmune reaction occurs in the intestines of a person with celiac disease: immune cells attack not only gluten, but also partially intestinal cells ^2,4 . The symptom of this reaction is diarrhea with yellow frothy stools and a very unpleasant odor ^2.4 .

Some drugs

The color of the stool may change under the influence of various drugs taken by mouth.

Laxatives

After taking strong laxatives (senna, rhubarb) diarrhea with yellow stools is possible. Diarrhea usually occurs if you exceed the recommended dosage or use the medicine too often ^1.8 .

Slimming drugs

Some drugs, such as orlistat, interfere with the absorption of fat from food, it is excreted in the feces, so the stool becomes yellow. There may be no diarrhea, but the stool becomes softer and bulkier ² .

Antibiotics

Diarrhea with golden yellow stools often occurs during antibiotic therapy or some time after the end of the course ¹ . In this case, changes in the color and consistency of feces are due to the fact that antibiotics suppress the normal intestinal microflora, causing dysbacteriosis ¹ .

Note!

Almost always, stool changes color in those who have recently had an X-ray of the gastrointestinal tract. Before the study, a person is given a drink of a chalky suspension – barium sulfate, so that it makes the digestive tract visible on the X-ray. But, getting into the feces, barium sulfate gives it a light yellow or white color ¹ .

Intestinal infections

Stools in the form of “pea puree” – thin, yellow-orange color – a clear sign of typhoid fever ¹ . This infectious disease is caused by the intestinal bacteria Salmonella, which are usually transmitted through food or water ⁵ .

Chronic bowel disease

If there is chronic inflammation in the bowel, you may occasionally experience green or yellow jelly-like stools with a fever. And with purulent processes in the large intestine, feces take on the appearance of coffee with milk or cream: clots of dead immune and intestinal cells give the feces a light yellow color ^{1. 11} .

Treatment

Since the causes of yellow loose stools are varied, do not self-diagnose – consult a specialist. Only after analyzing the specific situation and additional studies, the general practitioner or gastroenterologist can establish a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

While waiting to see a specialist, it is recommended:

Drink plenty of fluids

Regardless of the cause, there is a risk of dehydration with diarrhea. Its first signs are dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, rare urination with a small volume of urine of a saturated color. These symptoms can appear even with mild diarrhea. To compensate for the loss of fluid, a person with diarrhea needs to receive a sufficient amount of fluid (1.5-2.5 liters per day) in the form of fruit drink, rosehip infusion, weak tea or water acidified with lemon or

cranberry extract ⁵ . Tea, coffee, cocoa, fruit drinks and juices can be consumed when you are on a gluten-free diet ⁴ .

Follow a diet

Until the stool normalizes, it is better to exclude fatty and fried foods, smoked meats, canned food, any beans, beets, cucumbers, radishes, citrus fruits, pears, plums and grapes from the diet ^7.12 . If you have gluten intolerance or problems digesting lactose, eliminate dairy products and baked goods from your diet ⁴ .

Choose lean meats, fish or poultry ⁷ . We recommend eating them boiled, pureed or steamed ¹² .

What medicines can the doctor prescribe?

There is no universal tablet for yellow diarrhea. The doctor can recommend medicines from different groups ⁸ :

• rehydrators — to restore the water-salt balance in the body;
• enterosorbents – removing toxins and excess fluid from the intestines;
• enzymes – facilitating digestion;
• intestinal antiseptics and antibiotics – to fight infection;
• anti-inflammatory drugs – for chronic bowel diseases;
• pre- and probiotics – to normalize the microflora;
• antidiarrheals containing loperamide – to relieve the symptoms of diarrhea.

Loperamide is the active ingredient in Imodium® Express ¹³ . It is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of diarrhea caused by a change in diet or diet, drug use, or intestinal malabsorption ¹³ . In acute infectious diarrhea, Imodium® Express is used as an adjuvant ⁹ . Imodium® Express lyophilisate tablets with special Zaydis technology dissolve on the tongue in 3 seconds and do not require drinking water ¹³ . The effect of the drug begins from the first application ¹⁴ .

Please note!

If you notice blood in your stool and you have a fever, do not take antidiarrheal medicines, call your doctor ¹³ .

The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, contact a qualified specialist.

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Yellow stool – causes, diagnosis and treatment

Yellow stools is yellowish stools that often change in consistency. Normally, the symptom occurs in infants, in adults – after eating certain foods. Common pathological causes of yellowing of the stool are diseases of the hepatobiliary zone, dysbacteriosis, intestinal infections, hormonal fluctuations in women. To clarify the etiology, they make a coprogram, ultrasound and x-ray of the intestine, ERCP. To eliminate the symptom, a diet, intake of sorbents, probiotics and enzyme preparations is necessary.

Causes of yellow stools

Dietary habits

Eating large amounts of carrots and sweet potatoes causes a change in the color of stools, since these products contain natural dyes. Bright yellow stools appear after eating dishes with turmeric. The symptom is observed in compliance with the milk diet, the predominance of fermented milk products in the diet. Natural causes provoke only a change in the color of the stool, the consistency and frequency of bowel movements remain normal.

Childhood

Newborns have yellow feces due to consumption of one breast milk. Normal stools have a mushy texture. After a few months, the color changes to mustard or yellowish green, which is also a normal variant. In children of the first year of life who are bottle-fed, the feces are light brown or light yellow with a pungent odor.

Intestinal infections

Light-colored feces are detected in infectious processes that affect the small intestine and prevent normal digestion of food. Escherichiosis is characterized by liquid feces of a golden yellow color. The frequency of bowel movements increases up to 10-15 times a day. Greenish-yellow stools are excreted in the gastrointestinal form of salmonellosis.

Frequent light yellow stools occur with rotavirus infection. Feces are very liquid, with a specific pungent odor. The disease is usually determined in children of preschool and primary school age who have not yet learned to observe hygiene. Yellow feces are also provoked by other causes: enterovirus infection, food poisoning.

Pancreatic enzyme deficiency

When there is a lack of digestive enzymes in the small intestine, part of the food is not digested, but is excreted from the body with feces, which becomes light or pale yellow in color. In chronic pancreatitis, the symptom is noted periodically: if a special diet is followed, the feces have a normal color, when the gastrointestinal tract is overloaded with fatty foods, it brightens and acquires a mushy consistency.

Yellow discoloration of feces is preceded by heaviness and pain in the epigastrium, patients complain of rumbling and flatulence. In acute pancreatitis, the color of the feces changes to light yellow or grayish suddenly. At the same time, a person is disturbed by severe girdle pains in the upper abdomen, repeated vomiting, which does not bring relief.

Diseases of the hepatobiliary system

The typical brown color of feces is due to bile acids and stercobilin, which enter the intestine with bile. Periodic light yellow stools of a mushy consistency are characteristic of chronic cholecystitis or cholelithiasis in the acute stage, when bile secretion is impaired. Similar symptoms are observed in functional disorders of the gallbladder.

Clarification of feces is caused by liver causes: viral or toxic hepatitis of mild to moderate severity, in which the biliary function is partially preserved. The appearance of yellow stools is accompanied by heaviness in the right hypochondrium, constant nausea and loss of appetite. Symptoms are aggravated after eating fatty foods. With the complete cessation of bile secretion, the yellow color of the feces is replaced by a grayish-white.

Giardiasis

Giardia multiplies in the gallbladder, disrupts the outflow of bile and contributes to the clarification of feces. The frequency of bowel movements in giardiasis increases up to 5-7 times a day, the feces are bright yellow and liquid, with a sharp fetid odor. In addition, the person complains of dull pain in the right hypochondrium, flatulence, nausea and vomiting mixed with bile. Normalization of the color of feces occurs on the 5-7th day of the disease.

Celiac disease

Symptoms occur with a large consumption of cereals – barley, wheat, rye. Light yellow mushy stools with a sharp unpleasant odor may appear periodically, and then permanently already in childhood and adolescence, which is combined with weight loss, growth retardation and physical development. The first detected yellow stool in an adult indicates a mild form of celiac disease, which is well stopped with the help of a diet.

Complications of pharmacotherapy

Many drugs provoke disorders of digestion and absorption of food, which is manifested by yellowing of the feces and an increase in the frequency of defecation. A person notes seething and rumbling in the intestines, soreness throughout the abdomen, lack of appetite. When taking antibiotics, the color of the stool is greenish-yellow, which is associated with intestinal dysbiosis. The yellow color of the feces is caused by the following medical causes:

• Anti-tuberculosis drugs : isoniazid, ethambutol, streptomycin.
• Estrogen derivatives .
• Cytostatics : methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, adriamycin.
• Certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs : aspirin, paracetamol, diclofenac.

Rare causes

• Viral infections : cytomegalovirus, infectious mononucleosis.
• Hormonal changes in women : premenstrual period, pregnancy, menopause.
• Disorders of bilirubin conjugation : Gilbert’s syndrome, Crigler-Najjar syndrome.
• Psychological causes : severe stress, depression.

Diagnostics

If the color of the feces changes to yellow, you should consult a gastroenterologist. To determine the cause of yellowing of the stool, an instrumental examination of the digestive system is performed. To clarify the diagnosis and identify hidden metabolic disorders, highly specific laboratory methods are prescribed. In diagnostic terms, the most informative:

• Coprogram . Macroscopically study the consistency, color and smell of feces. Microscopic analysis pays attention to the presence of undigested muscle fibers and starch grains, the number of erythrocytes and leukocytes. Be sure to examine the feces for helminth eggs, to assess the work of the pancreas, fecal elastase is determined.
• Sonography . Plain ultrasound of the abdominal cavity reveals inflammatory or fibrotic changes in the liver and pancreas, signs of intestinal damage. To clarify the cause of the disease, elastometry is informative, which allows you to quickly and painlessly establish the degree of liver fibrosis.
• Radiological Imaging . To study the motor function of the intestine and detect local inflammatory processes, a barium x-ray of the abdominal cavity is recommended. A plain radiograph of the abdomen helps to visualize masses, cysts of the liver or pancreas. If necessary, perform irrigoscopy.
• Retrograde cholecystopancreatography . Endoscopic examination of the bile and pancreatic ducts is an invasive examination that is used to diagnose cholangitis, cholelithiasis, and reactive pancreatitis. The method is therapeutic and diagnostic, since during ERCP it is possible to remove small stones that clog the bile ducts.
• Blood tests . A blood test for the level of pancreatic lipase and amylase is aimed at studying the enzymatic activity of the pancreas. Liver tests are also being studied. Serological tests (ELISA, RIF) detect specific antibodies in case of suspected viral or bacterial intestinal infections.

Treatment

Help before diagnosis

The yellow color of feces, caused by eating habits and observed against the background of normal health, disappears on its own after 2-3 days. In order not to overload the intestines during this period, it is advised to give up fatty and fried foods, alcohol. If a change in the color of the stool occurs against the background of diarrhea, abdominal pain, you should visit a specialist. To improve the condition, you can drink sorbents. The use of antidiarrheal agents is undesirable.

Conservative therapy

The yellowish color of the feces is caused by various reasons, so the list of therapeutic measures is selected individually. An important stage of treatment is the observance of a special diet, which is based on stewed vegetables, meat and fish of low-fat varieties, cereals and soups. In chronic pathologies of the pancreas and liver, such a diet must be followed constantly. To treat diseases in which feces have a yellow color, the following drugs are prescribed:

• Sorbents . Activated charcoal preparations, smecta are designed to bind and remove toxins from the intestines.