What is cholestasis? How can it lead to stomach cramps and yellow stool? Explore the causes, risk factors, and potential complications of this liver condition, as well as effective treatment options.

Understanding Cholestasis: The Liver Condition Behind Stomach Cramps and Yellow Stool

Cholestasis is a liver condition that occurs when the flow of bile from the liver is reduced or blocked. Bile is a fluid produced by the liver that aids in the digestion of food, particularly fats. When the bile flow is disrupted, it can lead to a buildup of bilirubin, a pigment produced by the liver and excreted through bile.

There are two main types of cholestasis: intrahepatic cholestasis and extrahepatic cholestasis. Intrahepatic cholestasis originates within the liver and can be caused by various factors, such as diseases, infections, drug use, genetic abnormalities, and hormonal effects on bile flow. Pregnancy can also increase the risk of this condition. Extrahepatic cholestasis, on the other hand, is caused by a physical barrier to the bile ducts, such as from gallstones, cysts, or tumors.

Symptoms of Cholestasis: Recognizing the Warning Signs

The primary symptoms of cholestasis include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes)
• Dark urine
• Light-colored stools
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Excessive itching

It’s important to note that not everyone with cholestasis experiences symptoms, and adults with chronic cholestasis may often be symptom-free.

Causes and Risk Factors of Cholestasis

Cholestasis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, anabolic steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), oral contraceptives, and some antiepileptic and antifungal drugs, can be difficult for the liver to metabolize and may be toxic, leading to cholestasis.
2. Diseases: Conditions that can cause scarring or inflammation of the bile ducts, leading to cholestasis, include viral infections (e.g., HIV, hepatitis, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr), bacterial infections, certain autoimmune diseases (e.g., primary biliary cirrhosis), genetic disorders (e.g., sickle cell disease), and certain cancers (e.g., liver, pancreatic, lymphomas).
3. Pregnancy: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, also called obstetric cholestasis, is estimated to occur in 1 to 2 pregnancies per 1,000 in the United States. Pregnancy hormones can affect gallbladder function, leading to the buildup of bile and its subsequent flow into the bloodstream.

Cholestasis During Pregnancy: Risks and Complications

Obstetric cholestasis can be a serious condition for both the mother and the baby. While most cases are non-threatening, it can cause serious complications, including:

• Preterm delivery
• Fetal distress
• Stillbirth

Additionally, research has shown that women who had cholestasis during pregnancy have a three times greater risk of liver cancer later in life, as well as an increased risk of cancer of the biliary system, thyroid disease, diabetes, and Crohn’s disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Cholestasis

To diagnose cholestasis, your doctor will ask about your medical history, perform a physical examination, and order blood tests to check for liver enzymes that indicate the condition. If the test results are abnormal, your doctor may also order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, or even a liver biopsy.

The first step in treating cholestasis is to address the underlying cause. For example, if medication is the culprit, your doctor may recommend a different drug. If an underlying disease is the cause, appropriate treatment for that condition will be necessary. In the case of obstetric cholestasis, your doctor may prescribe medications to help alleviate the itchiness, while ensuring they are safe for your unborn baby.

Preventing and Managing Cholestasis

If you have a history of cholestasis or are at risk of developing the condition, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider. This may include:

• Carefully monitoring any medications you are taking
• Reporting any symptoms of cholestasis, especially during pregnancy, to your doctor immediately
• Undergoing regular check-ups and liver function tests to detect any changes early on
• Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to support liver function

Staying Vigilant: The Importance of Recognizing and Addressing Cholestasis

Cholestasis, whether during pregnancy or due to other underlying causes, can have serious consequences if left untreated. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and potential complications of this liver condition, you can take proactive steps to seek medical attention and work with your healthcare provider to manage and prevent the negative impact of cholestasis on your health and well-being.

Symptoms, Treatment, in Pregnancy, and More

What is cholestasis?

Cholestasis is a liver disease. It occurs when the flow of bile from your liver is reduced or blocked. Bile is fluid produced by your liver that aids in the digestion of food, especially fats. When bile flow is altered, it can lead to a buildup of bilirubin. Bilirubin is a pigment produced by your liver and excreted from your body via bile.

There are two types of cholestasis: intrahepatic cholestasis and extrahepatic cholestasis. Intrahepatic cholestasis originates within the liver. It can be caused by:

• disease
• infection
• drug use
• genetic abnormalities
• hormonal effects on bile flow

Pregnancy can also increase your risk for this condition.

Extrahepatic cholestasis is caused by a physical barrier to the bile ducts. Blockages from things like gallstones, cysts, and tumors restrict the flow of bile.

Read on to learn more about this condition.

Both types of cholestasis result in the same symptoms:

• jaundice, which is a yellowing of your skin and the white of your eyes
• dark urine
• light-colored stool
• pain in your abdomen
• fatigue
• nausea
• excessive itching

Not everyone with cholestasis has symptoms, and adults with chronic cholestasis are often symptom-free.

Bile blockage can be caused by a number of factors.

Medications

Your liver plays an important role in metabolizing medications. Some medications are more difficult for your liver to metabolize than others and may be toxic to your liver. These medications include:

• some antibiotics, such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Moxatag) and minocycline (Minocin)
• anabolic steroids
• some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB)
• oral contraceptives
• certain antiepileptic drugs
• certain antifungal drugs
• some antipsychotic drugs
• certain antimicrobial drugs

You should always take medications as directed, and don’t stop taking medications your doctor has prescribed without talking with them first.

Diseases

Certain diseases can cause scarring or inflammation to the bile ducts, leading to cholestasis. Conditions include:

• infections from viruses such as HIV, hepatitis, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr
• bacterial infections
• certain autoimmune diseases, such as primary biliary cirrhosis, which can cause your immune system to attack and damage the bile ducts
• genetic disorders, such as sickle cell disease
• certain cancers, such as liver and pancreatic cancer, as well as lymphomas

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, also called obstetric cholestasis, is estimated to occur in 1 to 2 pregnancies per 1,000 in the United States. The most common symptom of obstetric cholestasis is itching without a rash. This is caused by the buildup of bile acids in the blood.

The itching generally occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy. It can also be accompanied by:

• jaundice
• pale stools
• dark urine
• abdominal pain
• nausea

See your doctor if you have itching in pregnancy. Some over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines or anti-itch creams containing cortisone, are generally ineffective for treating this condition and may harm your unborn baby. Instead, your doctor can prescribe drugs that help with the itchiness but won’t harm your baby.

Causes and risk factors

Cholestasis that occurs during pregnancy can be an inherited condition. If your mother or sister had this condition during pregnancy, you may have an increased risk for also developing obstetric cholestasis.

Pregnancy hormones may also cause this condition. That’s because they can affect your gallbladder function, allowing bile to build up and flow over into your bloodstream.

Women carrying multiples are at higher risk of obstetric cholestasis.

Read more: How does pregnancy affect the gallbladder? »

Is obstetric cholestasis dangerous?

Obstetric cholestasis can be a serious condition for both mom and baby. While most cases are nonthreatening, it can cause serious complications, including:

• preterm delivery
• fetal distress
• stillbirth

Most cases of obstetric cholestasis resolve after delivery. The condition can affect your health in the long term, however. In research published in the Journal of Hepatology, women who had cholestasis during pregnancy had a three times greater risk of liver cancer later in life than women who didn’t have cholestasis while pregnant. They also had increased risk of:

• cancer of the biliary system
• thyroid disease
• diabetes
• Crohn’s disease

Your doctor will ask questions about your medical history. You’ll also have a physical exam. Blood tests may be ordered to test for liver enzymes that indicate cholestasis. If test results are abnormal, your doctor may order imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI. Your doctor may also perform a liver biopsy.

The first step to treating cholestasis is to treat the underlying cause. For example, if it’s determined that medication is causing the condition, your doctor may recommend a different drug. If an obstruction like gallstones or a tumor is causing the backup of bile, your doctor may recommend surgery.

In most cases, obstetric cholestasis resolves after delivery. Women who develop obstetric cholestasis should be monitored post-pregnancy.

Cholestasis can occur at any age, and in both males and females. Recovery depends on how severe the case was before it was first diagnosed. Another factor is the underlying cause of the disease and how well it can be managed. For example, gallstones can be removed, which essentially cures the disease. If the condition is caused by damage to your liver, recovery may be more difficult.

You can do a few things to reduce your risk for cholestasis:

• Get vaccinated for hepatitis.
• Don’t abuse alcohol.
• Avoid using recreational intravenous drugs.

See your doctor right away if you suspect cholestasis. Early treatment can improve your chances for a full recovery.

Acute, Chronic, End, and More

The stages of hepatitis C include: the acute stage, chronic hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver, and end-stage hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C is an infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that leads to liver inflammation. Symptoms can be mild for many years, even while liver damage is taking place. Many people with hepatitis C end up with chronic hepatitis C that can last a lifetime. The consequences of long-term infection include liver damage, liver cancer, and even death.

Early detection and treatment are key for stopping the progression of hepatitis C and avoiding major complications.

Read on to learn how HCV is spread and how the infection progresses.

You can contract HCV through contact with blood or some bodily fluids that contains HCV. You’re at risk of contracting the virus if you:

• share infected needles
• come into regular contact with blood
• have had long-term kidney dialysis
• engage in sex with multiple partners without condoms

Mothers with HCV also can pass the virus on to their children during childbirth, but not through breastfeeding.

In most cases, there are no early warning signs. Most people are symptom-free and remain unaware of the infection. Others experience mild symptoms, such as fatigue and loss of appetite, which tend to clear up on their own.

About 15 to 20 percent of people who contract HCV fight it off without treatment or long-term damage to their health.

The acute phase of hepatitis C is the first six months after contracting HCV. Early symptoms may include:

• fatigue
• loss of appetite
• jaundice, or mild yellowing of your skin and eyes

In most cases, symptoms clear up within a few weeks. If your immune system doesn’t fight the infection on its own, it enters the chronic phase. Because of the lack of symptoms, hepatitis C can go unnoticed for years. It’s often discovered during a blood test that’s being done for other reasons.

About 75 to 85 percent of people with hepatitis C progress to the chronic phase. However, even in the chronic phase, it may take years for symptoms to show. The progression begins with inflammation of the liver, followed by the death of liver cells. This causes scarring and hardening of liver tissue.

About 20 percent of people with chronic hepatitis C go on to develop cirrhosis of the liver in 15 to 20 years.

When permanent scar tissue replaces healthy liver cells and your liver loses the ability to function, it’s called cirrhosis. In this condition, your liver can no longer heal itself. This can cause a variety of health concerns, including a buildup of fluid in your abdomen and bleeding from veins in the esophagus.

When the liver fails to filter toxins, they can build up in your bloodstream and impair brain function. Cirrhosis of the liver can sometimes develop into liver cancer. This risk is greater in people who drink excess alcohol. Treatment of cirrhosis depends on the progression of the condition.

Chronic hepatitis C can cause serious long-term health consequences when it leads to liver scarring. End-stage hepatitis C occurs when the liver is severely damaged and can no longer function properly.

Symptoms may include:

• fatigue
• jaundice
• nausea
• loss of appetite
• abdominal swelling
• muddled thinking

People with cirrhosis may also experience bleeding in the esophagus, as well as brain and nervous system damage.

A liver transplant is the only treatment for end-stage liver disease. Those who’ve had hepatitis C and received a liver transplant almost always see a return of the infection. Because the disease recurs, treatment of the viral infection usually follows transplant surgery.

Because alcohol is processed in the liver, consumption of excess alcohol can hasten liver damage, so it’s important to not drink it. Damage also progresses faster in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV.

People who also have hepatitis B are at an increased risk of developing liver cancer.

Men with cirrhosis tend to progress faster than women with the condition. Additionally, people over 40 with cirrhosis progress at a faster rate than younger people.

If you think you have hepatitis C at any stage, consult with your doctor. Early detection and treatment is the best way to prevent and treat any serious complications or progression. Since there’s no vaccine for hepatitis C, the best prevention measure is to avoid situations where you’d come into contact with another person’s blood.

What is the life expectancy of a person with HCV?

Many people live for years after receiving an HCV diagnosis. Additionally, if there is no significant liver damage, you’re more likely to live a normal life after being diagnosed with HCV.

However, if there is severe liver damage, or you develop cirrhosis, there is a 1-5% risk of developing liver cancer, and a 3-6% risk of developing hepatic decompensation and liver failure. Hepatic decompensation also puts you at a 15-20% risk of mortality.

What are the chances of dying from HCV?

Mortality rates from HCV depend on the severity of the HCV. Complications from untreated HCV such as liver damage or liver cancer can be fatal, although HCV itself typically isn’t fatal.

Yellow stools – causes, diagnosis and treatment

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

Causes of yellow stools

Dietary habits

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

Childhood

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

Intestinal infections

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

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

Pancreatic enzyme deficiency

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

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

Diseases of the hepatobiliary system

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

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

Giardiasis

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

Celiac disease

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

Complications of pharmacotherapy

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

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

Rare causes

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

Diagnostics

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

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

Treatment

Help before diagnosis

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

Conservative therapy

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

• Sorbents . Activated charcoal preparations, smecta are designed to bind and remove toxins from the intestines. Medicines speed up recovery from toxic infections, help to cope with diarrhea, and improve digestive functions.
• Probiotics . With dysbacteriosis, bacterial overgrowth syndrome and side effects of pharmacotherapy, beneficial bacteria are taken that populate the large intestine and promote digestion. For a lasting effect, they are used in courses of at least 10 days.
• Enzymes . When inhibiting the exocrine function of the pancreas, drugs containing pancreatic enzymes are used. They eliminate the causes of yellow stools, stimulate the processes of abdominal digestion in the small intestine.
• Cholagogue preparations . Indicated in hepatobiliary pathology. They improve the chemical composition of bile and ensure its entry into the duodenum 12, which is required for the breakdown of fats. The color of the feces returns to normal after a couple of days after the start of treatment.
• Rehydration therapy products . All intestinal infections are accompanied by large fluid losses, for which there are oral solutions. They contain the optimal amount of salts and glucose, restore acid-base balance and electrolyte composition.

Yellow stools – causes, diagnosis and treatment

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

Causes of yellow stools

Dietary habits

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

Childhood

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

Intestinal infections

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

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

Pancreatic enzyme deficiency

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

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

Diseases of the hepatobiliary system

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

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

Giardiasis

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

Celiac disease

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

Complications of pharmacotherapy

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

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

Rare causes

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

Diagnostics

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

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

Treatment

Help before diagnosis

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

Conservative therapy

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

• Sorbents . Activated charcoal preparations, smecta are designed to bind and remove toxins from the intestines. Medicines speed up recovery from toxic infections, help to cope with diarrhea, and improve digestive functions.