Gray color stool. Gray Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options for Clay-Colored Stools

03.12.201921.04.2021 by alexxlab

What causes gray or clay-colored stools. How are pale stools diagnosed and treated. When should you see a doctor for light-colored bowel movements. What other symptoms may accompany abnormal stool color.

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What Causes Gray or Clay-Colored Stools?

Gray or clay-colored stools can be alarming, as they differ significantly from the normal brown color we expect. The primary cause of this abnormal stool color is a lack of bile in the stool. Bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, gives stool its characteristic brown hue. When bile production or flow is impaired, it can result in pale, gray, or clay-colored stools.

Common causes of gray or clay-colored stools include:

Blockage of bile ducts
Liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis
Gallstones
Pancreatic disorders
Certain medications
Barium tests (temporary effect)

Understanding Normal vs. Abnormal Stool Colors

Stool color can vary widely and still be considered normal. However, persistent changes in stool color, especially to gray or clay-like shades, warrant medical attention. How can you distinguish between normal and abnormal stool colors? Normal stool colors typically range from light to dark brown. Occasional variations due to diet or medication are usually not cause for concern. However, if you notice pale or clay-colored stools persisting for more than a day or two, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

When to Worry About Stool Color

While a one-time occurrence of gray stool may not be alarming, consistent pale or clay-colored stools should prompt a visit to your doctor. This is especially true if accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), or changes in urine color.

The Role of Bile in Stool Color

Bile plays a crucial role in digestion and gives stool its characteristic brown color. Produced by the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and released into the small intestine, bile helps break down fats and carries waste products from the liver. When bile production or flow is compromised, it can lead to light-colored stools. What happens when bile doesn’t reach the intestines? Without bile, not only does stool lose its brown color, but fat digestion is also impaired, potentially leading to greasy, foul-smelling stools.

Medical Conditions Associated with Gray Stools

Several medical conditions can lead to gray or clay-colored stools. These often involve the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas – key players in bile production and release.

Hepatitis (A, B, or C): Viral infections affecting the liver
Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver tissue
Gallstones: Can block bile ducts
Pancreatic cancer: May obstruct bile flow
Biliary atresia: A rare condition in newborns where bile ducts are absent or blocked
Sclerosing cholangitis: Inflammation and scarring of bile ducts

Medication-Induced Gray Stools

Certain medications can also cause light-colored stools. These include some antibiotics, antacids containing aluminum hydroxide, and large doses of bismuth subsalicylate (found in some anti-diarrheal medications). If you suspect your medication is causing changes in stool color, consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your regimen.

Diagnostic Approaches for Gray Stools

When a patient presents with persistent gray or clay-colored stools, healthcare providers employ various diagnostic tools to identify the underlying cause. What tests might your doctor order? Common diagnostic approaches include:

Liver function tests: Blood tests to assess liver health and function
Imaging studies: Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to visualize the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas
Endoscopic procedures: Such as ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) to examine bile ducts
Stool tests: To check for fat malabsorption or infections
Blood tests: To check for infections or other systemic issues

These tests help physicians pinpoint the exact cause of the abnormal stool color, guiding them towards the most appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Gray Stools

Treatment for gray or clay-colored stools depends on the underlying cause. How do doctors approach treatment? The primary goal is to address the root cause, which often involves restoring normal bile flow or treating liver conditions.

Medical Treatments

Medical treatments may include:

Antibiotics for infections
Ursodeoxycholic acid for certain liver conditions
Immunosuppressants for autoimmune liver diseases
Vitamin supplements to address malabsorption

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. This could involve:

Removal of gallstones
Repair or replacement of damaged bile ducts
Liver transplant in severe cases of liver failure

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

Alongside medical treatments, lifestyle and dietary modifications can support recovery and prevent recurrence. These may include:

Reducing alcohol consumption
Adopting a liver-friendly diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
Staying hydrated
Regular exercise to support overall health

Prevention and Long-Term Outlook

While not all causes of gray stools are preventable, certain lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of developing conditions that lead to this symptom. How can you maintain healthy stool color? Consider the following preventive measures:

Maintain a balanced diet
Limit alcohol consumption
Exercise regularly
Stay up-to-date with vaccinations, especially for hepatitis
Avoid exposure to toxins that can damage the liver

The long-term outlook for individuals experiencing gray stools varies depending on the underlying cause. Many conditions, if caught early and treated appropriately, have a good prognosis. However, chronic liver diseases may require ongoing management and monitoring.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While occasional changes in stool color are usually not cause for alarm, certain situations warrant prompt medical attention. When should you consult a doctor about gray stools? Seek medical care if:

Gray or clay-colored stools persist for more than a day or two
You experience accompanying symptoms like abdominal pain, fever, or weight loss
You notice yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Your urine becomes dark or tea-colored
You have a history of liver disease or recent exposure to hepatitis

Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes and prevent complications associated with underlying conditions causing gray stools.

Understanding the Digestive System and Stool Color

To fully grasp the significance of gray stools, it’s helpful to understand the basics of the digestive system and how it influences stool color. How does food transform into stool? The journey begins in the mouth and continues through the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.

Key players in this process include:

Liver: Produces bile, essential for fat digestion and giving stool its brown color
Gallbladder: Stores and concentrates bile
Pancreas: Produces enzymes crucial for digestion
Small intestine: Where most nutrient absorption occurs
Large intestine: Absorbs water and forms stool

Any disruption in this complex system can lead to changes in stool color, consistency, and frequency. Understanding this process helps explain why conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas often manifest as changes in stool appearance.

The Spectrum of Stool Colors

While this article focuses on gray or clay-colored stools, it’s worth noting that stool can come in various colors, each potentially indicating different health conditions or dietary factors. What do different stool colors mean?

Brown: Normal, healthy stool
Green: Often diet-related, but can indicate faster intestinal transit
Red: May indicate lower GI bleeding, or consumption of red foods
Black: Potential upper GI bleeding, or iron supplementation
Yellow: Possible fat malabsorption or celiac disease
White: Lack of bile, potential liver or gallbladder issues

Understanding this spectrum can help individuals better monitor their digestive health and know when to seek medical advice.

Impact of Gray Stools on Quality of Life

Experiencing persistent gray or clay-colored stools can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Beyond the physical symptoms, it can lead to anxiety, stress, and concerns about underlying health conditions. How does this symptom affect daily life? Individuals may find themselves constantly worried about their health, leading to:

Increased stress and anxiety
Disrupted sleep patterns
Changes in dietary habits
Social isolation due to concerns about symptoms
Frequent medical appointments and tests

It’s important for healthcare providers to address not only the physical aspects of gray stools but also the psychological impact on patients. Providing clear information, support, and a comprehensive treatment plan can help alleviate some of these concerns and improve overall well-being.

Coping Strategies

For individuals dealing with gray stools and related conditions, developing coping strategies can be beneficial. These may include:

Joining support groups for liver or digestive health issues
Practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
Maintaining open communication with healthcare providers
Educating oneself about the condition and treatment options
Focusing on overall health and wellness through diet and exercise

By adopting these strategies, individuals can better manage the challenges associated with gray stools and related health concerns.

Advancements in Diagnosing and Treating Gray Stools

Medical science continues to advance, bringing new hope for individuals experiencing gray stools and related conditions. What recent developments have emerged in this field? Several noteworthy advancements include:

Diagnostic Innovations

Advanced imaging techniques: High-resolution MRI and CT scans provide more detailed views of the biliary system
Genetic testing: Helps identify hereditary conditions affecting bile production or flow
Biomarker discovery: New blood tests can detect liver diseases earlier and with greater accuracy

Treatment Breakthroughs

Targeted therapies: Medications designed to address specific liver or biliary conditions
Minimally invasive surgeries: Advanced techniques for treating gallstones and bile duct obstructions
Liver regeneration research: Promising studies on stimulating liver cell regeneration
Immunotherapy: New approaches for treating autoimmune liver diseases

These advancements offer hope for more accurate diagnoses, effective treatments, and improved outcomes for individuals experiencing gray stools and related health issues.

The Role of Diet in Managing Gray Stools

While diet alone cannot cure the underlying causes of gray stools, it plays a crucial role in supporting overall digestive health and managing symptoms. How can dietary changes help? A well-balanced diet can support liver function, aid in digestion, and potentially alleviate some symptoms associated with conditions causing gray stools.

Liver-Friendly Foods

Incorporating liver-friendly foods into your diet can support overall liver health:

Leafy greens: Rich in chlorophyll, which aids in detoxification
Cruciferous vegetables: Contains compounds that support liver enzyme function
Berries: High in antioxidants that protect liver cells
Fatty fish: Provides omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation
Nuts: Contain beneficial fats and vitamin E
Green tea: Offers antioxidants that support liver function

Foods to Limit or Avoid

Certain foods may exacerbate liver problems or interfere with bile production:

Alcohol: Can damage liver cells and impair function
Processed foods: Often high in unhealthy fats and additives
Sugary foods: Can contribute to fatty liver disease
Excessive red meat: High in saturated fats that may stress the liver

It’s important to note that dietary recommendations may vary based on individual health conditions and should be discussed with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian.

The Psychological Impact of Chronic Digestive Issues

Dealing with persistent gray stools or other chronic digestive issues can take a significant toll on mental health. How does chronic illness affect psychological well-being? The impact can be multifaceted:

Anxiety: Worry about symptoms and potential health complications
Depression: Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness about the condition
Social isolation: Embarrassment or discomfort may lead to avoiding social situations
Body image issues: Changes in appearance (e.g., jaundice) can affect self-esteem
Stress: Dealing with medical appointments, treatments, and lifestyle changes

Recognizing and addressing these psychological aspects is crucial for comprehensive care. Mental health support, whether through counseling, support groups, or other interventions, should be considered an integral part of treatment for individuals dealing with chronic digestive issues.

Strategies for Mental Well-being

Individuals coping with chronic digestive issues can employ several strategies to support their mental health:

Practice mindfulness or meditation to manage stress
Engage in regular physical activity, as tolerated
Maintain social connections and communicate openly with loved ones
Seek professional mental health support when needed
Join support groups to connect with others facing similar challenges
Set realistic goals and celebrate small victories in managing the condition

By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of chronic digestive issues, individuals can work towards improved overall well-being and quality of life.

What Can Cause Pale Stool or Clay-Colored Stool?

Stools that are pale, white, or look like clay or putty may be the result of a lack of bile or caused by a blockage in the bile ducts. Stools that are light in color or look like clay can also occur after a test in the colon that uses barium (such as a barium enema), because the barium may be passed in the stool.

In the absence of such a test being done, pale stools could be the result of something else happening in the digestive tract. The inability of the digestive system to absorb fats properly may also result in stools that are light in color (straw yellow to gray) and that appear greasy. The medical term “acholic” is used to refer to light-colored stools that result from a lack of bile.

Normal vs. Abnormal Stools

Having a stool that is white or pale just once, or rarely, is not usually a concern, but when the color is consistently too light, it is something that should be discussed with a doctor.

Healthy stools come in many sizes, shapes, and colors. When it comes to how often you move your bowels or what your stool looks like, every person is different and there is a spectrum of “normal,” rather than a specific set of rules.

There are times, however, when what you’re seeing in the toilet bowl is probably outside of what would be considered in the normal range and should be investigated by a physician. Whenever there is a concern about the size, shape, or color of stools, contact a doctor.

Causes

The biliary system is the drainage system of the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. Bile is created in the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and is released into the first section of the small intestine (the duodenum) while food is passing through.

Ellen Lindner / Verywell

Bile is what gives stool its brown color, so if bile is not being produced or if the bile ducts are blocked, and bile isn’t entering the small intestine, the result could be stool that is light.

Medical causes of stool that is pale or clay-colored are usually liver and biliary issues such as:

Alcoholic hepatitis: This disease of the liver occurs after overexposure to alcohol.
Biliary cirrhosis: This is a type of liver disease where the bile ducts are damaged.
Birth defect: Some people are born with a problem in the biliary system.
Cysts: A cyst may block a bile duct.
Gallstones: These calcium deposits in the gallbladder could block bile ducts.
Hepatitis A, B, or C: Infectious liver diseases that may cause a lack of bile.
Infection: Certain types of infections could affect the biliary system.
Sclerosing cholangitis: This is a disease that can cause a lack of bile production or a blockage in the bile ducts.
Side effects of medication: Overuse of certain medications could cause drug-induced hepatitis. These drugs include non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, hormonal birth control, and certain antibiotics.
Strictures: A narrowing of the intestine could block the flow of bile.
Tumor: A tumor could block the flow of bile.

Concerning Symptoms

Clay-colored stool that is caused by certain medical conditions may be accompanied by a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes (jaundice) or darkened urine. If signs of jaundice occur, a physician should be consulted immediately.

The presence of jaundice along with pale stools could mean that there is an obstruction in a bile duct or that there is an infection in the liver. Both of these conditions could be serious and should be discussed with a physician in order to receive prompt treatment.

Diagnosing the Underlying Condition

In order to treat pale stools, the underlying cause of the problem must first be diagnosed. In addition to a complete medical history, some of the tests that might be used to make a diagnosis are:

Liver function tests: Liver function tests can help determine if there is a condition that involves the liver that’s causing the pale stools.
Abdominal ultrasound: This non-invasive test uses sound waves to see what’s inside the body and might help a physician see inside structures like the gallbladder.
Blood work to test for infection: A variety of blood tests might be done and while they aren’t going to diagnose a problem, they can be used to help narrow down the potential conditions.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Rarely, this type of endoscopy that can be used to see inside the pancreas and bile ducts might be used.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. If the cause is the malabsorption of fats, a change in diet and vitamin supplements may be prescribed. In the case of blocked bile ducts, surgery may be required to open the ducts. If the stools are a symptom of another condition, such as hepatitis, the underlying cause should be treated.

A Word From Verywell

People who haven’t recently had a barium enema or a barium swallow should see a doctor about having pale stools. This is particularly true if any other symptoms are occurring along with it, especially jaundice or pain.

A physician may want to run some tests and see what might be causing a pale-colored stool. If there are any symptoms that are troubling, such as severe pain or jaundice, seeking medical attention right away is important.

It’s understandably uncomfortable to talk to someone about your poop, but your doctor wants to know the details so that he or she can better help you. The earlier you have the conversation, the better treatment you can receive.

6 causes of pale stool and how to treat them

Many things can change the color of stool, including vitamins, infections, and certain foods. Some underlying medical problems, such as gallbladder and liver disease, can also change stool color. Pale stool, especially if it is white or clay colored, can indicate a serious health problem.

When adults have a pale stool with no other symptoms, it is usually safe to wait and see if the stool returns to normal. When children and babies have very pale or white poop, a doctor should see them as soon as possible.

In this article, learn about the causes of pale stool, as well as their accompanying symptoms and how to treat them.

Bile from the liver creates the typical brown hue of a healthy bowel movement. When the stool is very pale, it often means that not enough bile is reaching the stool.

Problems with the gallbladder, pancreas, or liver are reasons why stool may not contain enough bile. People who have consistently pale stools may want to talk to a doctor about conditions that affect these organs.

The most common reasons for a pale stool color include:

1. Foods

Some foods may lighten the color of stool, especially fatty foods, or those containing food coloring. Vitamins that include iron can turn the color of stool dark brown.

It is fine for bowel movements to be lighter than usual occasionally. If they are white or clay colored, however, it could mean a person has an underlying medical condition.

2. Giardiasis

Giardiasis is an infection that may turn the stool light or bright yellow. Giardia lamblia, the most common intestinal parasite in the world, causes the infection. A person can contract this parasite by drinking contaminated water or being in close contact with someone who has the infection.

Giardiasis is more common in regions with inconsistent access to clean water.

The most common symptoms of giardiasis include stomach pain, headache, swollen stomach, vomiting, and fever. A doctor can write a prescription for a drug that kills the parasite. With treatment, most people feel better in a few days.

3. Medications

Certain drugs and medications can damage the liver, especially when a person takes more than the dosage their doctor or the manufacturers recommend.

Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, for example, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can harm the liver. A person who notices a pale stool after taking a new medication or after taking OTC pain relievers for a long time or in excess of the correct dose may have medication-related liver damage.

It is best to stop taking the drug, if it is not a prescription medication, and see a doctor as soon as possible.

4. Gallbladder disease

The gallbladder holds bile and is located on the upper right side of the stomach, next to the liver. During digestion, the gallbladder releases bile into the intestines through the bile duct. Gallbladder diseases can change the color of stool.

Gallstones, one of the most common gallbladder diseases, can block the bile duct, causing intense pain, nausea, vomiting, and pale stool. Without treatment, gallstones can cause problems with other organs, such as the pancreas and liver.

Treatments for gallbladder problems depend on the cause. A doctor may have to remove gallstones, either surgically or with medication to dissolve them.

A person can live a normal life without their gallbladder, and so a doctor may remove the gallbladder in the case of recurrent gallstones. Doctors may advise changes to a person’s diet after surgery.

5. Liver problems

Problems with the liver or bile ducts can turn the stool pale. There are many types of liver disease, including:

infectious diseases, such as hepatitis A, B, and C
liver damage from alcohol consumption
fatty liver disease, most common in those with obesity or who eat a high-fat diet
autoimmune diseases, which happen when the body attacks the cells of the liver
failure of other organs
liver cancer
liver cysts
Wilson disease, a genetic condition where the body retains too much copper

Treatment for liver disease depends on the specific condition and how far it has progressed. For mild liver disease, a person may only need medication and to make lifestyle changes. Those with severe liver disease may need a liver transplant.

When problems with another organ, such as the gallbladder, cause problems with the liver, a doctor must treat that condition as well.

In addition to pale stool, other symptoms of liver disease include:

nausea and vomiting
fatigue
very dark urine
fatty stool
itching
swelling in the ankles or legs

Anyone under a doctor’s care for liver disease should report any changes to stool color.

6. Pancreas problems

Diseases of the pancreas can make it hard for this organ to secrete pancreatic juices into the digestive system. This can lead to the food moving too quickly through the gut, causing a pale and fatty-looking stool.

Some conditions can cause pancreatitis, which is swelling and inflammation of the pancreas. These include:

Treatment for pancreatitis depends on the cause. Some people need hospitalization, fluids, or antibiotics. Surgery may treat some forms of pancreatitis. When another condition causes pancreatitis, such as gallstones, a doctor must also address that issue.

Pale stools in children are not necessarily a medical emergency if they occur once and are pale but not white.

Breastfed babies have light yellowish-brown stools. This hue is especially prevalent among babies who have not yet transitioned to solids. Once they are eating solids, their stool usually becomes browner.

When the stool is white or very light brown, this can signal a more serious problem, such as cholestasis, a type of liver disease.

In newborns, cholestasis or any other problem with the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas may be a medical emergency, so a caregiver should call their pediatrician right away.

If the baby has other symptoms, turns yellow, or appears to be in pain, a caregiver must take them straight to the emergency room.

In older children who have no other symptoms, it is usually safe to wait for the next bowel movement.

White or clay-colored stools during pregnancy usually indicate a problem with the gallbladder, liver, biliary ducts, or pancreas. Some women develop a pregnancy-related liver disease called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Symptoms of cholestasis include:

intense itchiness
pain under the ribs on the upper right side of the stomach
dark urine even when well hydrated
pale stool
nausea
exhaustion beyond that of a typical pregnancy
jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes, fingernail beds, or skin

Doctors do not fully understand what causes cholestasis, but they think that pregnancy hormones might affect liver functioning. Treatment may include medication and frequent monitoring, including blood work and ultrasounds. In some cases, a woman may need to give birth early.

Diseases of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas can quickly become life-threatening. However, these diseases are usually treatable.

The longer a problem with these important organs continues, the more likely it is to cause lasting harm or damage other organs. So it is important to err on the side of caution and quickly see a doctor for pale stool.

An adult who only has a pale stool and no other symptoms can wait until the next bowel movement before they call a doctor. If the pale stool persists, they might be wise to see a doctor within a day.

If there are other symptoms, such as pain, dark urine, turning yellow, vomiting, or a fever, it is best to seek urgent treatment.

Bowel movements reveal important information about a person’s health. One pale stool is usually nothing to worry about, but frequent pale stools can indicate diseases of the liver, pancreas, or gallbladder.

In some cases, treatment can help a person feel better within a day or two. Other underlying conditions require long-term management.

Quick Answer: What Does It Mean When Your Poop Is Gray?

White Poop or Clay-Colored Stool

This may occur due to bile duct blockages, gallstones or liver problems.

Clay-colored or pale gray stool is usually a sign of a more serious problem.

If your stool remains consistently pale or clay colored for two days, contact your provider.7 Mar 2015

What does GREY poop mean?

Pale stools are not normal. If your stools are pale or clay-colored, you may have a problem with the drainage of your biliary system, which is comprised of your gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. Bile salts are released into your stools by your liver, giving the stools a brown color.

Why is my poop light tan?

Stools that are pale, white, or look like clay or putty may be the result of a lack of bile or caused by a blockage in the bile ducts. In the absence of such a test being done, pale stools could be the result of something else happening in the digestive tract.12 Jul 2019

Causes of pale stool

Foods. Some foods may lighten the color of stool, especially fatty foods, or those containing food coloring.
Giardiasis. Giardiasis is an infection that may turn the stool light or bright yellow.
Medications.
Gallbladder disease.
Liver problems.
Pancreas problems.

28 Feb 2019

What does the Colour of your poop mean?

Stool comes in a range of colors. All shades of brown and even green are considered normal. Only rarely does stool color indicate a potentially serious intestinal condition. Stool color is generally influenced by what you eat as well as by the amount of bile — a yellow-green fluid that digests fats — in your stool.

Why is my poop green if I didn’t eat anything green?

The odd coloring means that your agitated tract has moved your waste through too quickly and the bacteria in your system haven’t had time to fully digest your waste’s bile. But that’s not all. The Mayo Clinic notes that you can also get green stools by eating leafy vegetables, green food coloring and iron supplements.13 Sep 2014

Why is my poop sticking to the toilet?

You may notice occasionally that some of your stool may stick to the side of the bowl after you flush. Sticky poop can be a symptom of a temporary or chronic digestive disorder or the result of a diet that contains too much fat. Sticky poop can appear greasy and pale or dark and tarry.20 Jul 2017

Is light brown poop OK?

Bowel movements are usually light to dark brown in color, and there is moderate variation among individuals with respect to stool color, quantity, and form. When these changes in stool do occur, it can mean that there may be an illness affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or the entire body.10 Jul 2019

White stool isn’t normal and should be evaluated promptly by a doctor. White or clay-like stool is caused by a lack of bile, which may indicate a serious underlying problem. Stool gets its normal brownish color from bile, which is excreted into the small intestine during the digestive process.

What does light yellow poop mean?

Liver and gallbladder disorders

Cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis reduce or eliminate bile salts that help the body digest food and absorb nutrients. Gallstones or sludge in the gallbladder reduce the amount of bile that reaches your intestines. Not only may this cause pain, but it can also turn your stool yellow.

What Does It Mean When Your Poop Is Gray?

Gray or Clay-Colored Stool

Stool can be gray or clay-colored if it contains little or no bile.

The pale color may signify a condition (biliary obstruction) where the flow of bile to the intestine is obstructed, such as obstruction of the bile duct from a tumor or gallstone in the duct or nearby pancreas.

The most common reasons for a pale stool color include:

Foods. Some foods may lighten the color of stool, especially fatty foods, or those containing food coloring.
Giardiasis. Giardiasis is an infection that may turn the stool light or bright yellow.
Medications.
Gallbladder disease.
Liver problems.
Pancreas problems.

What does the color of your poop mean?

Medical causes of stool that is pale or clay-colored are usually liver and biliary issues such as: Alcoholic Hepatitis: A disease of the liver that occurs after overexposure to alcohol. Sclerosing Cholangitis : A disease that can cause a lack of bile production or a blockage in the bile ducts.

Is dark poop bad?

Most cases of black stools are from eating black foods or iron supplements. Black stools caused by blood indicate a problem in the upper digestive tract. Black stool along with pain, vomiting, or diarrhea is cause to see a doctor right away.

Stool is not normally white and you may require emergency treatment in some situations. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, high fever, significant vomiting, seizures, changes in mental status, or sudden behavior changes.

What does it mean when your poop is rust colored?

Digestive problems that may cause orange stool

Digestive problems, both minor and serious, can lead to changes in stool color. The brown color of a normal stool is caused by the way bile interacts with enzymes in your stool. If your stool isn’t absorbing enough bile, it may be light gray or tan.

What does clay colored poop look like?

Clay-colored or white stools (pale stools)

Light-colored or clay-colored stool are often seen with diseases of the liver or bile ducts. Pale stool may be caused by pancreatic cancer that blocks the bile ducts. Lack of bile causes stool to lose its brown color and leaves it appearing pale.

Pale stools are not normal. If your stools are pale or clay-colored, you may have a problem with the drainage of your biliary system, which is comprised of your gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. Having pale stools once in a while may not be a cause for concern. If it occurs frequently, you may have a serious illness.

Why is my poop green if I didn’t eat anything green?

Why is part of my poop black?

Bleeding in the stomach (from gastritis or an ulcer) or the intestines can change the color of stool. If bleeding occurs in the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine, the stool may turn black and sticky, and be described medically as black, tarry stool (melena).

Why is my poop so dark and smelly?

Malabsorption is also a common cause of foul-smelling stool. Common causes of malabsorption include: celiac disease, which is a reaction to gluten that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents proper absorption of nutrients. inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Why is my poop two different colors?

A more serious cause is a lack of bile in your stool. (Remember, bile gives poop its brown color.) Bile is made in the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and released into your small intestine to help digest your food. Liver disease, such as hepatitis, can keep bile from getting into your body waste.

Stool Color Overview | Johns Hopkins Children’s Center

Poop comes in all colors (and smells and textures), including many shades of brown, green or yellow. In general, these colors are normal and variations in these colors do NOT indicate that anything is wrong.
In some instances, poop color can provide important clues as to problems with the gastrointestinal tract or liver. Visit our stool color guide to learn more about what your child’s poop color can tell you.

PoopMD+

Download PoopMD+, a free iPhone app that helps parents and caregivers better understand what the color of a baby’s poop means. The app’s color recognition software and your smartphone’s camera work together to determine whether the color of your baby’s poop is normal or abnormal. Data gathered about baby poop color will help advance pediatric liver disease research.

Red and Black Stools

Lots of foods, drinks or medications may make the poop red or black, and it is not concerning when foods do this. For example, beets and artificial fruit juice can make the poop red, while licorice, blueberries and Pepto-Bismol® can make it black. All babies have black stools called meconium for the first few days of life.

However, most of the time red or black stools are a concern for gastrointestinal bleeding. Bright red stools are most commonly associated with problems near the end of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., the rectum) and black stools typically suggest problems earlier in the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., the stomach or the beginning of the small intestine). Maroon stools often suggest a problem somewhere in the middle of the gastrointestinal tract.

If you suspect that your child has red or black stools, you should see your child’s pediatrician right away.

Learn more about red and black stool colors.

White Stools

Very rarely, babies will develop white,chalky grey or pale yellow stools. This may not be obvious in the first few days or weeks of life when all babies have normal, black stools. However, these pale stools suggest that there may be a life-threatening blockage in the liver preventing bile, the green fluid stored in the gallbladder that gives stool the yellow/brown color, from getting out of the liver. If you suspect that your infant has white, chalky grey or pale yellow stools, you must contact your child’s pediatrician right away. The most common cause of these stools in infants is a disease called biliary atresia can be found on our website.and early diagnosis of this condition is important to correct this problem.

Learn more about white stool colors.

Additional Resources

Stool Color Guide
Visit our health section to see our collection of stool photographs to help you learn more about normal and abnormal stool color.

Stool color card
You can download a copy of a stool color guide to educate new parents about colors associated with infant liver disease like biliary atresia. The guides are available in English or Spanish. These guides are being distributed nationwide to birthing centers by Procter & Gamble Baby Care through a collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology. To order printed copies of stool guides for your hospital or pediatric practice, please call 800-543-3331.

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What color is your poop and other pressing fecal matters

There is no really genteel way to discuss the topic, but the bottom line is that fecal matters. What comes out is a clue to what goes on inside, and knowledge is a terrible thing to waste. Consider this your school on stool.

1. It’s a bunch of crap

In a typical bowel movement, roughly three-quarters of stool volume is water. The remaining 25 percent is a mixture of bacteria (live and dead), undigested food (such as seeds, nuts, corn and beans) and substances contributed by the intestines and liver, such as mucus and bile, which aids in the digestion of fats.

2. Shape of (stuff in) water

In truth, no two stools are the same, but there’s an actual chart that categorizes discharged waste by its shape. It’s called the Bristol Stool Scale, developed at England’s
Bristol Royal Infirmary as a clinical assessment tool. The scale was devised after Stephen Lewis and Ken Heaton noticed in a 1992 study that an unexpected prevalence of defecation disorders were related to the shape and type of stool. They published their new scale in 1997 in the
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. The Bristol scale categorizes stool by seven types:

Type 1: Separate hard lumps, like nuts (severe constipation)
Type 2: Sausage-shaped, but lumpy (mild constipation)
Type 3: Like a sausage but with cracks on its surface (normal)
Type 4: Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft (normal)
Type 5: Soft blobs with clear cut edges (lacking fiber)
Type 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool (mild diarrhea)
Type 7: Watery, no solid pieces, entirely liquid (severe diarrhea)

In their initial studies, Lewis and Heaton found that types 1 and 2 were more prevalent in females, while types 5 and 6 were more prevalent in males.

3. Color My Whirled

The color of stool is most broadly influenced by what you eat and the amount of bile present. As yellowish-green bile pigments travel through your gastrointestinal tract, enzymes chemically alter their color, changing them from green to brown. The brown is also due to the presence of bilirubin, a product resulting from dead red blood cells being broken down in the intestine. All shades of brown and even green are considered normal. Only rarely does the color of stool suggest a serious health problem.

Green: It could be due to the consumption of leafy green vegetables, green food coloring, iron supplements or possibly food moving too quickly through the large intestine (diarrhea) so that bile doesn’t have enough time to break down completely.
Light-colored, white or clay-colored: Lack of bile; may indicate duct obstruction. Certain medications, such as anti-diarrheal drugs containing large doses of bismuth subsalicylate like Pepto-Bismol, can also be the cause.
Gray: May indicate a liver or gallbladder problem or be symptomatic of viral hepatitis, gallstones or alcoholic hepatitis.
Yellow, greasy, foul-smelling: Excess fat in the stool, possibly due to a malabsorption disorder like celiac disease.
Orange: May be due to beta carotene, a compound found in many vegetables, such as carrots and winter squash. Some antibiotics and antacids contain aluminum hydroxide, which can also turn stool orange.
Blue: Likely due to eating lots of blue foods (blueberries) or beverages with blue coloring.
Black or tarry: Iron supplements and black licorice. Bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach, can blacken stool, as can diseases like colorectal cancer or cirrhosis.
Bright red: Red food coloring, red-colored fruits and vegetables (beets, cranberries, etc.) and red drinks. Bleeding in the lower intestinal tract, such as large intestine or rectum, often from hemorrhoids.
Note: Occasional color changes in stool aren’t typically cause for concern. However, red or black stool — or other color changes that persist for more than two weeks — should prompt a visit to the doctor.

4. Essence-tial facts

Normal stool normally smells unpleasant, the result of bacteria in the colon breaking down digested food. Stool may smell different due to changes in diet. Spicier foods and meat tend to produce stronger smells than vegetables. Very foul-smelling excrement can be a sign of a serious medical condition, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, pancreatitis, ulcerative colitis, infection or malabsorption.

5. Going to pot

Stool frequency is regulated by the amount of fiber and fluid you consume, with exercise and staying active playing a role. There is a lot of natural, healthy variance, from three bowel movements a day to three per week. Going longer than three days between movements is cause for concern. After three days, stool becomes harder and more difficult to pass, leading to more serious issues. The important thing to know is what’s normal for you and pay attention to notable or persistence changes.

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Causes & Should You Worry? » Scary Symptoms

Yes, you should worry if your stools are gray.

Gray stools are concerning. Sometimes when doctors talk about grey stools, they use the terms “clay colored” or “pale.”

However, “clay” can bring up images of bowel movements that are the color of the standard clay pot that people plant flowers in: a dull or salmon-like orange.

But the “gray” here is an actual greyish hue, like what would result if you mixed white paint with black.

Causes of Gray Stools

“A person’s usual stools in terms of color, shape and consistency are based on their diet,” begins Franjo Vladic, MD, a board certified gastroenterologist with Center for Digestive Health and Endoscopy Center in Ohio.

“However, if a person’s stools are clay colored or pale, health care providers will be concerned about the patient’s biliary system,” continues Dr. Vladic.

“This could be a sign of bile duct obstruction (gallstones, pancreatitis, inflammation of the liver or pancreatic cancer).

“Clay colored stools indicate the biliary system is not draining properly because of a blockage.

“If the system drains properly, stools will either present as shades of green to brown.”

Pancreatic Cancer

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2016, about 53,070 people in the U.S. (27,670 men, 25,400 women) will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Risk factors that can be changed: tobacco use; obesity as well as being overweight primarily in the midsection though not very overweight elsewhere; exposure to dry cleaning and metal working chemicals; lack of exercise (according to some studies but not all).

Uncontrollable risk factors: age, being black (a mild risk that’s not understood), family history, genetic syndromes, diabetes (type II mainly), chronic pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, pylori stomach infection.

“If the stools are not pale or clay colored, the color is affected by the patient’s diet,” says Dr. Vladic.

Don’t be afraid to check your stool color every now and then; grey means you must see a doctor.

Dr. Vladic’s special interests include acid reflux, colitis, colon cancer, GERD, heartburn, IBS, liver disease, obesity, pancreatitis and peptic ulcer, among many others.

Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.

Source: cancer.org/cancer/pancreaticcancer/detailedguide/pancreatic-cancer-key-statistics

grey stools

90,000 grayish-white feces – causes, diagnosis and treatment

Grayish-white feces is a discoloration of stool, often accompanied by a violation of the consistency and frequency of the stool. A change in the color of feces is characteristic of dysbiosis, liver and gallbladder diseases, and damage to the pancreas. To find out the cause of the appearance of gray or white feces, a coprogram, ultrasound and radiography of the gastrointestinal tract, endoscopy are prescribed. To eliminate the symptom, probiotics, enzyme preparations, specific antiviral and detoxifying agents are used.

Causes of grayish-white feces

Errors in diet

The discharge of gray feces in an adult is observed after the abuse of fatty foods. An excess amount of neutral fats accumulates in the intestines, due to the increased load on the pancreas, lipids are not digested and are excreted in feces. The consistency changes – the feces become soft, “greasy”, leaving marks on the walls of the toilet bowl.Typically, increased stool up to 3-4 times a day.

Usually the symptoms disappear on their own, the normalization of the color of the feces occurs the very next day. The reasons provoking the discharge of grayish-white stools in infants are the incorrect introduction of complementary foods, the use of unbalanced milk formulas. The change in the color of feces occurs against the background of general weakness and lethargy of the child, constant crying and refusal to feed. These symptoms are an indication for consulting a pediatrician.

Dysbacteriosis

Violation of the intestinal microflora composition causes indigestion, insufficient digestion of the food received.The stool becomes liquid, grayish-white or dark gray in color. Stool frequency with dysbiosis increases up to 5-7 times a day, defecation is preceded by spasms and discomfort in the left abdomen. The stool has a fetid odor, and a light gray coating can be seen on the surface.

Hepatitis

Infectious causes cause destruction of liver cells and disturbances in the metabolism of bilirubin, due to which the flow of stercobilin into the intestine decreases, which stains the feces in a brown tint.Gray feces appear in the midst of hepatitis, the symptom is combined with a sharp darkening of urine and yellowing of the skin. Increased stool frequency and a change in its consistency are characteristic; before defecation, patients feel a rumbling and “bubbling” in the abdomen.

The duration of the symptom depends on the type of liver inflammation. With mild forms of viral hepatitis A and E, the discharge of grayish-white feces lasts 2-3 weeks. With hepatitis B, the color of the stool returns to normal after 1-2 months, in the case of severe damage to the hepatic parenchyma, dark gray feces are released up to six months.Alcoholic hepatitis, complicated by damage to the pancreas, often causes persistent lightening of feces.

Gallstone disease

Isolation of grayish-white feces indicates an exacerbation of gallstone disease and blockage of the bile duct by calculus. In this case, bile does not enter the intestines, symptoms of obstructive jaundice develop. A person notices that the feces become light, almost white in color, the consistency of the stools often remains normal. Discoloration of the stool occurs simultaneously with severe pain on the right in the hypochondrium, nausea, bitterness in the mouth.

Pancreatitis

Discoloration of feces to white in adults occurs in chronic pancreatitis, which is characterized by enzymatic insufficiency of the pancreas. The light color is due to the accumulation of undigested food in the feces. Feces plentiful, grayish-white, with a pungent fetid odor. There is an increase in stool frequency, during bowel movements, patients experience diffuse abdominal pain.

Disorders of the pancreatic function are often irreversible, therefore, without the appointment of substitution therapy, the restoration of the normal color of feces is impossible.The patient’s condition worsens under the influence of external causes – with the abuse of heavy food, alcohol intake, the disease worsens. During this period, diarrhea with the release of a large amount of light stool, accompanied by intense pain in the left hypochondrium and epigastrium, is disturbing.

Other liver pathologies

The defeat of the liver cells of various etiologies is accompanied by parenchymal jaundice, for which the appearance of a grayish-white color of feces is typical. Such changes persist for a long time, for several months.Stool disorder is combined with dull pain and heaviness in the right hypochondrium, nausea and vomiting with bile. Most often, faecal discoloration is caused by such reasons as:

Complications of pharmacotherapy

Short-term discoloration of stool to grayish-white is a natural reaction after oral administration of barium sulfate for X-ray of the digestive tract. Light-colored feces leave after 10-12 hours after the examination, atypical coloration of feces lasts for 2-3 days.Normally, these changes are not accompanied by dyspeptic disorders or abdominal pain.

Gray feces are also provoked by other reasons: taking antacids, iron. Trace elements, which are found in large quantities in these medicines, accumulate in the feces and cause the appearance of a characteristic grayish-white color. With the use of iron preparations, the color is darker up to black. Discoloration of feces is possible with prolonged use of antibiotics, anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Rare causes

Diagnostics

A gastroenterologist is engaged in identifying the cause of gray feces. The specialist collects anamnesis and complaints in order to establish why dyspeptic disorders have appeared. Diagnostics includes instrumental imaging methods, which, according to indications, are supplemented with invasive techniques. To clarify the diagnosis, laboratory tests are prescribed. Most informative methods:

Coprogram .Microscopic analysis of grayish-white feces reveals remnants of undigested food, muscle fibers, and starch grains. The absence of stercobilin is pathognomonic. To confirm the diagnosis of pancreatitis, a study of the level of fecal elastase is done. Bacteriological analysis is necessary to detect dysbiosis and bacterial overgrowth syndrome.
Biochemical blood test . With obstructive jaundice, cholestasis syndrome is determined – an increase in the amount of cholesterol and the enzyme alkaline phosphatase.An increase in ALT and AST levels indicates cytolysis and parenchymal jaundice. To check the exocrine function of the pancreas, the concentration of pancreatic lipase and amylase is measured.
Ultrasound examination . In order to detect the organic cause of the grayish-white shade of feces, a survey ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is performed with targeted scanning of the organs of the hepatobiliary zone. The study allows you to visualize the signs of the inflammatory process of the gallbladder, heterogeneous echogenicity of the liver parenchyma, rounded volumetric neoplasms.
Duodenal intubation . To assess the flow of bile into the intestine, several portions of bile are taken sequentially after stimulation with secretory drugs. Typically slow or no bile flow in the case of a blockage in the common bile duct. The collected material is sent to the laboratory for bacteriological analysis.
Cholangiopancreatography . White feces usually appear with damage to the biliary tract, therefore, RCP is required.The method involves examination of the Vater papilla and bile ducts using endoscopic technologies. The study reveals calculi in the bile ducts, signs of inflammatory and tumor pathologies.