What causes pale or clay-colored stools. How are pale stools diagnosed. What treatments are available for pale stools. When should you see a doctor about pale stools. How do medications affect stool color. What role does the liver play in stool color. How do gallbladder issues impact stool appearance.

Understanding Pale Stools: What They Look Like and Why They Occur

Pale stools, also known as clay-colored stools, can be a concerning symptom that may indicate underlying health issues. Normally, stools appear brown due to the presence of bile salts released by the liver. When stools become pale or light-colored, it often suggests a problem with the biliary system, which includes the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Pale stools typically have a light clay or grey appearance, contrasting sharply with the usual brown color. This change in color occurs when there’s insufficient bile in the stool, which can happen for several reasons:

• Reduced bile production by the liver
• Blockage in the bile ducts
• Issues with bile release from the gallbladder
• Problems with the pancreas affecting bile flow

While occasional pale stools may not be cause for alarm, persistent occurrences warrant medical attention to rule out serious conditions.

Common Causes of Pale Stools: From Medications to Liver Disorders

Several factors can contribute to the development of pale stools. Understanding these causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Medication-Induced Pale Stools

Certain medications can lead to drug-induced hepatitis, causing inflammation of the liver and potentially resulting in pale stools. Some common culprits include:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (Advil)
• Naproxen (EC-Naprosyn)
• Birth control pills
• Some antibiotics
• Anabolic steroids
• Certain herbal supplements
• Statins (e.g., Lipitor)

In most cases, discontinuing the medication resolves the issue within a few weeks. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before stopping any prescribed medication.

Viral Hepatitis and Its Impact on Stool Color

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. Proper diagnosis of the specific virus is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan.

Alcoholic Hepatitis: A Consequence of Excessive Drinking

Excessive alcohol consumption can result in alcoholic hepatitis, causing liver inflammation and potentially pale stools. 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 Their Effect on Stool Appearance

Several conditions affecting the biliary system can lead to pale stools:

Biliary Cirrhosis: Inflammation of the Bile Ducts

Biliary cirrhosis is an inflammatory condition affecting the bile ducts in the liver, blocking bile flow to the intestines. While the exact cause remains 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.

Gallstones: A Common Culprit of Bile Flow Obstruction

Gallstones can obstruct bile flow, leading to pale stools. Treatment options include medication to dissolve smaller stones or surgery for larger ones or when medication proves ineffective.

Sclerosing Cholangitis: Scarring of the Bile Ducts

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

Diagnostic Approaches for Pale Stools: Identifying the Underlying Cause

When a patient presents with pale stools, healthcare providers employ various diagnostic techniques to determine the root cause:

1. Medical history review: The doctor will inquire about recent medication use, alcohol consumption, and any other symptoms.
2. Physical examination: This may include checking for signs of jaundice or abdominal tenderness.
3. Blood tests: These can reveal liver function abnormalities, signs of infection, or other relevant markers.
4. Imaging studies: Ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs may be used to visualize the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
5. Endoscopic procedures: In some cases, an ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) may be performed to examine the bile ducts more closely.

Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and preventing potential complications.

Treatment Options for Pale Stools: Addressing the Root Cause

Treatment for pale stools varies depending on the underlying cause:

Medication Adjustments

If medication-induced, discontinuing or changing the offending drug under medical supervision may resolve the issue.

Viral Hepatitis Management

Antiviral medications may be prescribed for viral hepatitis, along with supportive care to manage symptoms.

Alcoholic Hepatitis Interventions

Treatment involves complete alcohol cessation, nutritional support, and possibly medications like prednisone or pentoxifylline to reduce liver inflammation.

Biliary System Disorder Treatments

Depending on the specific condition, treatments may include:

• Medications to dissolve gallstones or manage bile duct inflammation
• Surgical procedures to remove gallstones or open narrowed bile ducts
• Vitamin and mineral supplements to address nutrient deficiencies
• In severe cases, liver transplantation may be considered

Lifestyle Modifications and Dietary Considerations for Pale Stools

In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments can help manage pale stools and support overall liver health:

Alcohol Moderation or Abstinence

Reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption is crucial, especially for those with alcoholic hepatitis or other liver conditions.

Balanced Nutrition

A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support liver function and overall health. Specific dietary recommendations may include:

• Increasing fiber intake to promote regular bowel movements
• Limiting saturated and trans fats to reduce stress on the liver
• Incorporating foods high in antioxidants to support liver health

Hydration

Adequate water intake is essential for maintaining proper bile flow and supporting digestive health.

Exercise

Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and support liver function.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Pale Stools

While occasional changes in stool color may not be cause for concern, certain situations warrant prompt medical attention:

• Persistent pale or clay-colored stools lasting more than a few days
• Pale stools accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, or jaundice
• Sudden onset of pale stools without any obvious dietary or medication changes
• Pale stools in conjunction with unexplained weight loss or fatigue

Early intervention can prevent potential complications and improve treatment outcomes.

Prognosis and Long-Term Outlook for Individuals with Pale Stools

The prognosis for individuals experiencing pale stools varies depending on the underlying cause and the timeliness of treatment. In many cases, addressing the root cause can resolve the issue and restore normal stool color. However, some conditions may require ongoing management or have potential long-term implications:

Medication-Induced Cases

Generally, pale stools resulting from medication use resolve once the offending drug is discontinued or adjusted. The prognosis is typically good, with liver function returning to normal within weeks.

Viral Hepatitis

With proper treatment, many individuals with viral hepatitis can achieve full recovery or effectively manage their condition. However, chronic cases may require long-term monitoring and treatment to prevent complications.

Alcoholic Hepatitis

The outlook for alcoholic hepatitis depends largely on the individual’s ability to abstain from alcohol. Early intervention and lifestyle changes can lead to significant improvement, while advanced cases may have a more guarded prognosis.

Biliary System Disorders

Conditions affecting the biliary system often require ongoing management. While some, like gallstones, can be effectively treated, others, such as primary biliary cirrhosis, may progress over time. Regular medical follow-up is essential for monitoring and adjusting treatment as needed.

It’s important to note that early detection and treatment of the underlying cause of pale stools can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life. Regular check-ups and open communication with healthcare providers are key to managing these conditions effectively.

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.