What causes pale or clay-colored stools. How are pale stools diagnosed. What treatment options are available for pale stools. When should you see a doctor about pale stools. How does diet affect stool color. What role do bile salts play in stool color. How do liver problems affect stool color.

Understanding Stool Color: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Stool color can be an important indicator of your overall health. While normal stools can vary in shades of brown, primarily due to your diet, pale or light-colored stools are not typical and may signal an underlying health issue. But what exactly causes this change in color, and when should you be concerned?

Bile salts, released by the liver, play a crucial role in giving stools their characteristic brown color. When the liver isn’t producing enough bile, or if the flow of bile is blocked and can’t drain properly, stools may become pale or clay-colored. This change in color can be a sign of problems with the biliary system, which includes the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While occasional pale stools may not be cause for alarm, persistent pale or clay-colored stools warrant medical attention. If you notice this color change lasting for more than a day or two, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any serious conditions.

Common Causes of Pale Stools

Several factors can contribute to the appearance of pale or clay-colored stools. Let’s explore some of the most common causes:

1. Medications

Certain medications can lead to drug-induced hepatitis, which is inflammation of the liver. This condition can affect bile production and result in pale stools. Some medications that may cause this include:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (Advil)
• Naproxen (EC-Naprosyn)
• Birth control pills
• Some antibiotics
• Anabolic steroids
• Many herbal supplements
• Statins (Lipitor)

In most cases, drug-induced hepatitis and the associated discolored stools resolve within a few weeks after discontinuing the medication.

2. Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis, caused by viruses such as hepatitis A, B, or C, can lead to liver inflammation and pale stools. Hepatitis C, in particular, often progresses to liver disease if left untreated. A healthcare provider can diagnose the specific type of hepatitis virus and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

3. Alcoholic Hepatitis

Excessive alcohol consumption can cause alcoholic hepatitis, which is inflammation of the liver. This condition can progress to liver disease or liver failure if not addressed. Treatment typically involves complete abstinence from alcohol and may include nutritional support and medications to manage inflammation.

Biliary System Disorders and Pale Stools

Several disorders affecting the biliary system can result in pale stools. These conditions often require medical intervention and ongoing management:

1. Biliary Cirrhosis

Biliary cirrhosis is an inflammation of the bile ducts in the liver, which can block the flow of bile to the intestines. While the exact cause is unknown, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. Medications like cholestyramine and ursodiol may be prescribed, along with vitamin supplements to address nutrient deficiencies.

2. Gallstones

Gallstones can obstruct the flow of bile, leading to pale stools. Treatment options include medications to dissolve small gallstones or surgery for larger ones that don’t respond to medication.

3. Sclerosing Cholangitis

This condition involves inflammation or scarring of the bile ducts. While there’s no cure other than liver transplantation, various medications and surgical procedures can help manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Pale Stools

Diagnosing the cause of pale stools typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history review, and diagnostic tests. These may include:

• Blood tests to check liver function and enzyme levels
• Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI
• Endoscopic procedures to examine the bile ducts
• Stool samples to rule out infections or other digestive issues

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may range from simple dietary changes to complex medical interventions. Some common approaches include:

1. Discontinuing medications that may be causing the issue
2. Antiviral treatments for viral hepatitis
3. Lifestyle changes, including alcohol cessation for alcoholic hepatitis
4. Medications to manage bile flow and reduce inflammation
5. Surgical procedures to remove gallstones or address structural issues
6. Liver transplantation in severe cases of liver disease

The Role of Diet in Stool Color

While pale stools are often a sign of an underlying health issue, it’s important to note that diet can also influence stool color. Certain foods and supplements can temporarily alter the appearance of your stools:

• Iron supplements or foods high in iron can cause dark, greenish-black stools
• Beets and foods with red food coloring can result in reddish stools
• Large quantities of leafy green vegetables may lead to green stools

However, these dietary-induced color changes are typically temporary and not a cause for concern. If you’re unsure whether your stool color is related to your diet or a potential health issue, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider.

Prevention and Lifestyle Considerations

While not all causes of pale stools are preventable, there are steps you can take to promote overall liver and digestive health:

• Limit alcohol consumption
• Maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
• Stay hydrated
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid excessive use of over-the-counter pain medications
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B
• Practice safe sex and avoid sharing needles to prevent hepatitis C transmission

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While pale stools alone may not always be an emergency, certain accompanying symptoms warrant immediate medical care. Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain
• High fever
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Dark urine
• Persistent vomiting
• Signs of dehydration

These symptoms, combined with pale stools, could indicate a more serious condition requiring urgent treatment.

Long-term Outlook and Management

The long-term outlook for individuals experiencing pale stools varies depending on the underlying cause. Many conditions, when diagnosed and treated early, can be effectively managed. However, some chronic liver and biliary disorders may require ongoing care and monitoring.

For those diagnosed with chronic conditions affecting the liver or biliary system, long-term management may involve:

• Regular check-ups and liver function tests
• Adherence to prescribed medications
• Dietary modifications
• Lifestyle adjustments, such as abstaining from alcohol
• Monitoring for potential complications

It’s crucial to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a comprehensive management plan tailored to your specific condition and needs.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection and treatment of the underlying causes of pale stools can significantly improve outcomes and prevent complications. By being aware of changes in your stool color and seeking timely medical advice, you can take proactive steps to protect your health and well-being.

Remember, while pale stools can be concerning, they are often a symptom that can be effectively addressed with proper medical care. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional if you notice persistent changes in your stool color or have concerns about your digestive health.

Pale Stools: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments

Pale stools may suggest issues with your liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. If your bowel movements are a light clay color instead of brown, a healthcare professional can help you find the cause and recommend treatment.

Normal stools can vary in shades of brown, mostly due to your diet. Pale or light-colored stools, however, are not typical and may be a sign of an underlying health condition.

If your stools are pale or clay-colored, you may have a problem with the drainage of your biliary system, which includes your gallbladder, liver, and pancreas.

Your liver releases bile salts into your stools, giving the stools a brown color. If your liver is not producing enough bile, or if the flow of the bile is blocked and can’t drain from your liver, your stools may become pale or clay-colored.

Having occasional pale stools may not be a cause for concern. But if you persistently see pale stools, you may have a serious illness.

You should see a doctor whenever you have consistent pale or clay-colored stools to rule out illness and disease.

There are many possible causes of pale stools. Some of the common causes include:

Medications

Certain medications can cause drug-induced hepatitis. This is a swelling or inflammation of the liver caused by medications.

Some examples include:

• acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• ibuprofen (Advil)
• naproxen (EC-Naprosyn)
• birth control pills
• some antibiotics
• anabolic steroids
• many herbal supplements
• statins (Lipitor)

For most people affected, drug-induced hepatitis and the related discolored stools usually go away within a few weeks after the medications are discontinued.

Viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is a swelling or inflammation of the liver caused by viruses such as hepatitis A, B, or C viruses. Hepatitis C often leads to liver disease.

A doctor can diagnose the type of hepatitis virus you have and help you figure out the best treatment plan for you.

Alcoholic hepatitis

Alcoholic hepatitis is swelling or inflammation of the liver caused by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Alcoholic hepatitis can lead to liver disease or liver failure.

To treat this form of hepatitis, it’s recommended to stop drinking alcohol. A doctor can help you if have alcohol dependence.

Alcoholic hepatitis can also cause malnutrition, so a special diet may be required to get the vitamins and other nutrients you need.

Medications such as prednisone (Rayos) and pentoxifylline (Pentopak) can also treat liver inflammation temporarily. However, abstinence from alcohol is essential for long-term survival.

In severe cases, a liver transplant may be needed.

Biliary cirrhosis

Biliary cirrhosis is an inflammation or irritation of the bile ducts in the liver. The inflammation or irritation blocks the flow of bile to the intestines.

The exact cause of biliary cirrhosis is unknown.

There’s no cure for biliary cirrhosis, and the disease can be fatal.

Treatment can help manage your symptoms and prevent complications. Commonly prescribed medications include cholestyramine (Questran), which treats itching. Ursodiol (Urso Forte) may also be prescribed, which aids in removing bile from the bloodstream.

A doctor may also suggest taking vitamins A, K, E, and D to replace the nutrients that are lost in fatty stools.

Calcium supplements can also help prevent loss of bone density.

In severe cases, a doctor may suggest a liver treatment.

Gallstones

Gallstones are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can block the flow of bile.

Medications can sometimes dissolve gallstones. You may need surgery to remove your gallstones if they’re large or medication isn’t effective.

Sclerosing cholangitis

Sclerosing cholangitis is an inflammation or scarring of the bile ducts, which are the tubes that carry bile throughout the body. The exact cause of this disease is unknown, but genetic factors may be partially responsible.

There’s no cure for sclerosing cholangitis other than a liver transplant. But certain medications and surgical procedures can help manage symptoms and reduce episodic flares.

Commonly prescribed medications include:

• cholestyramine (Questran)
• prednisone (RAYOS)
• ursodiol (Urso Forte)
• azathioprine (Azasan)
• cyclosporine (Sandimmune)

A doctor may also prescribe supplements for vitamins A, D, E, and K to replace what the body has lost. A doctor may also prescribe antibiotics.

Common surgeries used to treat sclerosing cholangitis include:

• endoscopic balloon, which involves inserting a balloon at the end of a long tube into the bile ducts to open any narrowing
• biliary drainage catheter, which involves placing a drain in the narrowing of the bile ducts
• removal of the colon and rectum in severe cases
• liver transplant

Structural defects in the biliary system

Some people are born with structural defects in their biliary system that prevent the flow of bile.

After a physical exam, a doctor may order several tests to determine if you have structural defects. These tests include blood tests, scans, and X-rays.

A doctor may be able to surgically repair the defects. The type of defect will determine the type of surgical procedure the doctor will use.

Biliary stricture

Gallbladder removal surgery can result in the narrowing of the bile ducts. This condition is known as biliary stricture.

A doctor may be able to correct the problems using surgery or a stent. A stent is a small tube that a surgeon places inside the ducts to keep them open so that bile can flow freely.

Tumors

Benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumors in the biliary system can interfere with bile flow or inflame the liver.

A doctor may be able to remove the tumor surgically. If the tumor is cancerous, you may need radiation, a therapy that uses X-rays or gamma rays to destroy cancerous cells.

You may also need chemotherapy, which involves powerful drugs that destroy cancer cells.

Cysts

Cysts on the bile ducts can prevent the flow of bile.

The cysts may go away without treatment, or a doctor may perform surgery to remove them. The surgery is typically performed laparoscopically, allowing the doctor to see inside your abdomen by creating small incisions. This minimally invasive surgery causes less discomfort than open surgery.

Brightly colored stools in children are usually caused by colorful foods like breakfast cereal. However, pale, white, or clay-colored stools in children can be caused by something more serious. Some of the causes are:

• a milk-only diet
• barium sulfate from barium enema
• antacids
• blocked bile ducts or liver disease

Seek medical care if your child has more than one abnormally colored stool, especially if they haven’t had any brightly colored foods or if the stools are pale, white, or clay-colored. Only a doctor can determine the exact cause and provide the proper treatment.

If the cause is food or medication, removing it from the child’s diet will clear up the condition. If the cause is liver disease or a blocked bile duct, this can be life threatening and may require surgery or medications.

An experienced healthcare professional will complete a thorough medical interview, including a history of your symptoms, the medications you take, your family history, and how much alcohol and other substances you take.

A physical exam will also be performed to help identify the cause of your pale stools.

Possible tests include:

• Blood tests: These can check for infections and jaundice.
• Computed tomography (CT) scans: These can determine if you have any swelling of your liver or bile ducts.
• Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): This is a special type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that can capture detailed images of the biliary system.
• Abdominal ultrasound: This can develop a picture of your organs.

Once the underlying cause of pale stools is treated, your stools should return to a normal brown color.

However, some causes, such as liver disease and some cancerous tumors, are incurable. If the cause is incurable, you’ll continue to have pale or clay-colored stools.

Some of the causes of pale stools are not preventable, but others are.

Some forms of hepatitis have vaccines for prevention. Alcoholic hepatitis can be prevented by not drinking alcohol in excess.

If the cause is unknown, work toward having healthy bowel movements by eating a balanced diet that is high in fiber.

Are pale stools normal?

The color of your stools can be an indicator of your overall health. Color can range from dark brown to green. Normally, stools are a shade of brown.

If you observe pale stools that occur more than once, it can be a sign of bile duct blockage or liver problems.

When should I worry about pale stools?

Occasional pale stools may not be something to worry about.

However, if you’re experiencing frequent pale or light-colored stools, you may want to seek medical attention. This could be a sign of an underlying health condition.

Can fatty liver disease cause pale stools?

Pale stools may be a sign of liver disease or a blocked bile duct, especially in children.

Seek a doctor if you notice pale stools, as this may be a sign of liver disease.

Pale Stools: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments

Pale stools may suggest issues with your liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. If your bowel movements are a light clay color instead of brown, a healthcare professional can help you find the cause and recommend treatment.

Normal stools can vary in shades of brown, mostly due to your diet. Pale or light-colored stools, however, are not typical and may be a sign of an underlying health condition.

If your stools are pale or clay-colored, you may have a problem with the drainage of your biliary system, which includes your gallbladder, liver, and pancreas.

Your liver releases bile salts into your stools, giving the stools a brown color. If your liver is not producing enough bile, or if the flow of the bile is blocked and can’t drain from your liver, your stools may become pale or clay-colored.

Having occasional pale stools may not be a cause for concern. But if you persistently see pale stools, you may have a serious illness.

You should see a doctor whenever you have consistent pale or clay-colored stools to rule out illness and disease.

There are many possible causes of pale stools. Some of the common causes include:

Medications

Certain medications can cause drug-induced hepatitis. This is a swelling or inflammation of the liver caused by medications.

Some examples include:

• acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• ibuprofen (Advil)
• naproxen (EC-Naprosyn)
• birth control pills
• some antibiotics
• anabolic steroids
• many herbal supplements
• statins (Lipitor)

For most people affected, drug-induced hepatitis and the related discolored stools usually go away within a few weeks after the medications are discontinued.

Viral hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is a swelling or inflammation of the liver caused by viruses such as hepatitis A, B, or C viruses. Hepatitis C often leads to liver disease.

A doctor can diagnose the type of hepatitis virus you have and help you figure out the best treatment plan for you.

Alcoholic hepatitis

Alcoholic hepatitis is swelling or inflammation of the liver caused by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Alcoholic hepatitis can lead to liver disease or liver failure.

To treat this form of hepatitis, it’s recommended to stop drinking alcohol. A doctor can help you if have alcohol dependence.

Alcoholic hepatitis can also cause malnutrition, so a special diet may be required to get the vitamins and other nutrients you need.

Medications such as prednisone (Rayos) and pentoxifylline (Pentopak) can also treat liver inflammation temporarily. However, abstinence from alcohol is essential for long-term survival.

In severe cases, a liver transplant may be needed.

Biliary cirrhosis

Biliary cirrhosis is an inflammation or irritation of the bile ducts in the liver. The inflammation or irritation blocks the flow of bile to the intestines.

The exact cause of biliary cirrhosis is unknown.

There’s no cure for biliary cirrhosis, and the disease can be fatal.

Treatment can help manage your symptoms and prevent complications. Commonly prescribed medications include cholestyramine (Questran), which treats itching. Ursodiol (Urso Forte) may also be prescribed, which aids in removing bile from the bloodstream.

A doctor may also suggest taking vitamins A, K, E, and D to replace the nutrients that are lost in fatty stools.

Calcium supplements can also help prevent loss of bone density.

In severe cases, a doctor may suggest a liver treatment.

Gallstones

Gallstones are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can block the flow of bile.

Medications can sometimes dissolve gallstones. You may need surgery to remove your gallstones if they’re large or medication isn’t effective.

Sclerosing cholangitis

Sclerosing cholangitis is an inflammation or scarring of the bile ducts, which are the tubes that carry bile throughout the body. The exact cause of this disease is unknown, but genetic factors may be partially responsible.

There’s no cure for sclerosing cholangitis other than a liver transplant. But certain medications and surgical procedures can help manage symptoms and reduce episodic flares.

Commonly prescribed medications include:

• cholestyramine (Questran)
• prednisone (RAYOS)
• ursodiol (Urso Forte)
• azathioprine (Azasan)
• cyclosporine (Sandimmune)

A doctor may also prescribe supplements for vitamins A, D, E, and K to replace what the body has lost. A doctor may also prescribe antibiotics.

Common surgeries used to treat sclerosing cholangitis include:

• endoscopic balloon, which involves inserting a balloon at the end of a long tube into the bile ducts to open any narrowing
• biliary drainage catheter, which involves placing a drain in the narrowing of the bile ducts
• removal of the colon and rectum in severe cases
• liver transplant

Structural defects in the biliary system

Some people are born with structural defects in their biliary system that prevent the flow of bile.

After a physical exam, a doctor may order several tests to determine if you have structural defects. These tests include blood tests, scans, and X-rays.

A doctor may be able to surgically repair the defects. The type of defect will determine the type of surgical procedure the doctor will use.

Biliary stricture

Gallbladder removal surgery can result in the narrowing of the bile ducts. This condition is known as biliary stricture.

A doctor may be able to correct the problems using surgery or a stent. A stent is a small tube that a surgeon places inside the ducts to keep them open so that bile can flow freely.

Tumors

Benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumors in the biliary system can interfere with bile flow or inflame the liver.

A doctor may be able to remove the tumor surgically. If the tumor is cancerous, you may need radiation, a therapy that uses X-rays or gamma rays to destroy cancerous cells.

You may also need chemotherapy, which involves powerful drugs that destroy cancer cells.

Cysts

Cysts on the bile ducts can prevent the flow of bile.

The cysts may go away without treatment, or a doctor may perform surgery to remove them. The surgery is typically performed laparoscopically, allowing the doctor to see inside your abdomen by creating small incisions. This minimally invasive surgery causes less discomfort than open surgery.

Brightly colored stools in children are usually caused by colorful foods like breakfast cereal. However, pale, white, or clay-colored stools in children can be caused by something more serious. Some of the causes are:

• a milk-only diet
• barium sulfate from barium enema
• antacids
• blocked bile ducts or liver disease

Seek medical care if your child has more than one abnormally colored stool, especially if they haven’t had any brightly colored foods or if the stools are pale, white, or clay-colored. Only a doctor can determine the exact cause and provide the proper treatment.

If the cause is food or medication, removing it from the child’s diet will clear up the condition. If the cause is liver disease or a blocked bile duct, this can be life threatening and may require surgery or medications.

An experienced healthcare professional will complete a thorough medical interview, including a history of your symptoms, the medications you take, your family history, and how much alcohol and other substances you take.

A physical exam will also be performed to help identify the cause of your pale stools.

Possible tests include:

• Blood tests: These can check for infections and jaundice.
• Computed tomography (CT) scans: These can determine if you have any swelling of your liver or bile ducts.
• Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): This is a special type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that can capture detailed images of the biliary system.
• Abdominal ultrasound: This can develop a picture of your organs.

Once the underlying cause of pale stools is treated, your stools should return to a normal brown color.

However, some causes, such as liver disease and some cancerous tumors, are incurable. If the cause is incurable, you’ll continue to have pale or clay-colored stools.

Some of the causes of pale stools are not preventable, but others are.

Some forms of hepatitis have vaccines for prevention. Alcoholic hepatitis can be prevented by not drinking alcohol in excess.

If the cause is unknown, work toward having healthy bowel movements by eating a balanced diet that is high in fiber.

Are pale stools normal?

The color of your stools can be an indicator of your overall health. Color can range from dark brown to green. Normally, stools are a shade of brown.

If you observe pale stools that occur more than once, it can be a sign of bile duct blockage or liver problems.

When should I worry about pale stools?

Occasional pale stools may not be something to worry about.

However, if you’re experiencing frequent pale or light-colored stools, you may want to seek medical attention. This could be a sign of an underlying health condition.

Can fatty liver disease cause pale stools?

Pale stools may be a sign of liver disease or a blocked bile duct, especially in children.

Seek a doctor if you notice pale stools, as this may be a sign of liver disease.

💩 Wrong Dog Stool Color: A Guide

Did you know that you can learn a lot about your dog’s health and well-being by checking the color of his stool?

It turns out that its color can be a harbinger of health problems and, if you know what to look for, it will help you recognize the disease in time.

Have you ever encountered black or yellow dog stool and wondered what could be causing it?

Very dark or even black dog poop can be a sign of stomach ulcers in dogs or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Black dog feces get their color because the blood is not fresh – it has been digested and has darkened.

What to do: Keep an eye on your dog’s litter. If they lose weight and vomit regularly, as well as leaving black dog poop, call your veterinarian.

Gray stool appears if your dog’s digestive system struggles with the breakdown of fats.

This can happen either as a result of eating too much fatty food or because of a more complex problem with the pancreas.

What to do: Review your dog’s diet, he may be eating too many fatty foods, or he has the ability to secretly absorb them from you.

It is unlikely that you will see white dog feces , but if there are many white spots in the feces (which look like small grains of rice), this is a sure sign that they have tapeworms.

What to do: Deworm your dog as soon as possible! Your veterinarian will be able to help you find the right tapeworm product for you.

Red stool that contains red streaks can be a sign of several things:

• Colitis
• Anal gland infection 2 There is always a possibility that the cause of the appearance of red stool is also a cut on the the anus of the dog, which does not cause immediate concern.

  What to do: If you see red streaks in your dog’s stool, contact your veterinarian if this happens repeatedly.

  If your dog has stool that is pink or purple like jam, contact your veterinarian immediately. This may be a sign of severe gastroenteritis.

  Yellow stool in a dog is usually a sign of a food intolerance.

  What to do: If you have recently changed your dog’s diet or know that he has eaten something he shouldn’t, consider changing his diet. If you haven’t made any changes and don’t know why your dog has yellow stools, talk to your veterinarian.

  Orange stool may indicate that the dog’s digestive system is effectively getting rid of digested food ahead of time.

  Look at the liver or gallbladder. Bile breaks down food, turning stool brown.

  Green feces . The dog was eating grass again. But green stool can also be a sign of poisons or parasites.

  What to do: It all comes down to circumstances. You probably don’t have anything to worry about if you know your dog has eaten a lot of grass, but if other symptoms are showing, such as restlessness and vomiting, see your veterinarian.

  Black feces in a child – Life

  Black stools can be a symptom of serious diseases of the digestive system, but there are also non-dangerous reasons for such coloring of stools. It is also important to note that the black color for the baby’s stool immediately after birth is absolutely normal. This stool is called meconium.

  Harmless reasons
  

  Acquisition of black stool can be caused by the use of prunes, blueberries, dark grapes, blackberries, cherries, pomegranates, beets and other products.

  Some foods may turn stool black, this should not be a cause for concern

  Black grains
  

  If you notice inclusions of various forms of black color in the feces, then most often these are food residues that have not been digested in the children’s intestines. In the form of black dots with the feces of a child, fragments of the skin and seeds of grapes, currants, raspberries and other food can be excreted.

  Worms, threads, veins
  

  Black worm-like inclusions in the stool may result from eating bananas. Such inclusions are often perceived by adults as worms, but in reality there are no black worms (almost always they are white or yellowish worms).

  The use of bananas can cause black inclusions in the form of worms in the feces. Don’t worry, there are no black worms

  Iron preparations, activated charcoal
  

  Black stools are caused by drugs containing iron. These can be both iron preparations and vitamins or dietary supplements that include this element. In artificial children, mixtures with a large amount of iron can lead to black coloring of feces. Also, the stool of a child who was given activated charcoal takes on a black color.

  Drugs that can cause black stools also include anti-clotting drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs. By themselves, they do not change the color of the stool, but they can cause internal bleeding, manifested by black diarrhea.

  Serious causes
  

  One of the most dangerous causes of black stools is internal bleeding from one of the sections of the digestive tract. Discharge with such bleeding looks like black diarrhea. The blood that is secreted from the esophagus and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract changes color under the influence of intestinal bacteria and enzymes. Pathology is manifested not only by the black color of the stool, but also by dizziness, weakness, pallor.

  In case of black diarrhea in a child, do not hesitate and call a doctor

  With blood
  

  If your baby has black, bloody stools, this may be a symptom of some serious bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease). With this type of feces, you must definitely call a doctor.

  After surgery
  

  Black stools in the postoperative period may indicate internal bleeding.

  Temperature and black-green
  

  These symptoms are characteristic of an intestinal infection and are also accompanied by nausea and abdominal pain.

  Gray
  

  This coloration of the feces often appears after the introduction of a new mixture in the diet of the artificial crumbs. Also, a grayish tint is characteristic of the stool of babies receiving undiluted cow’s milk. Some complementary foods and medicines can also cause this shade of feces.

  Gray color of feces is most often harmless and caused by introduction of complementary foods.

  Gray color of liquefied feces is characteristic of rotavirus infection, which, along with diarrhea, is manifested by fever, abdominal pain. In addition, a light gray color of feces is possible with pathologies of the liver and pancreas.

  What to do?
  

  Having noticed the darkening of the child’s feces, it is necessary to analyze what foods, medicines and drinks the baby has consumed in recent days.