What causes yellow diarrhea in infants and adults. How is yellow diarrhea diagnosed. What are the treatment options for yellow diarrhea. When should you see a doctor for yellow diarrhea.

Understanding Yellow Diarrhea: A Comprehensive Overview

Yellow diarrhea is a condition that can affect both infants and adults, often causing concern due to its unusual appearance. Normally, stool has a tawny color – a combination of yellow-brown and orange-brown – which comes from bile and bilirubin. Bile, a digestive enzyme produced by the liver, and bilirubin, a waste product from red blood cells, contribute to this typical coloration. When the color and consistency of stool change, it may indicate various issues ranging from dietary changes to underlying medical conditions.

What Defines Yellow Diarrhea?

Yellow diarrhea is characterized by liquid stools that occur more than three times a day and have a distinct yellow or pale color. This condition can be accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal cramping, pain, and nausea. The yellow hue can result from problems with bile production in the liver or issues with the gallbladder, or it may be caused by certain infections.

Yellow Diarrhea in Infants: Causes and Concerns

For parents, distinguishing between normal infant stools and diarrhea can be challenging. Infants, especially those who are breastfed, often have soft, frequent, and yellowish stools. However, certain signs may indicate a problem:

• A change in the usual stool pattern
• More frequent bowel movements than usual
• Watery consistency compared to normal

Common Causes of Yellow Diarrhea in Infants

Several factors can contribute to yellow diarrhea in babies:

1. Dietary changes (either in the infant’s diet or the breastfeeding mother’s diet)
2. Antibiotics taken by the breastfeeding mother or the infant
3. Bacterial infections
4. Parasitic infections
5. Dehydration

It’s crucial to note that dehydration can occur rapidly in young children, especially those under three years old. For infants three months or younger experiencing diarrhea, immediate medical attention is advisable.

When to Be Concerned: Pale or White Stools

If an infant’s stool becomes pale or white without an apparent reason, it could indicate a serious condition such as cystic fibrosis. In such cases, consulting with a pediatrician promptly is essential.

Yellow Diarrhea in Adults: Causes and Implications

For adults, yellow diarrhea can be a sign of various underlying issues. While occasional changes in stool color or consistency are often benign and related to recent dietary changes or new medications, persistent yellow diarrhea warrants attention.

Liver and Gallbladder Issues

One of the primary causes of yellow diarrhea in adults is problems with the liver or gallbladder. These organs play crucial roles in bile production and storage, which gives stool its characteristic brown color. When there are issues with bile production or secretion, it can result in pale or yellow stools. Potential causes include:

• Hepatitis (alcohol-induced, viral, or infectious)
• Biliary cirrhosis
• Bile duct cysts
• Gallstones
• Liver, gallbladder, or pancreatic tumors (both benign and malignant)

The Impact of Stress on Digestive Health

Chronic stress can significantly affect digestive health, potentially leading to diarrhea. When the body is under prolonged stress, it releases chemicals that, while helpful in acute stress situations, can cause problems when activated for extended periods. This overexposure to stress chemicals can disrupt normal digestive function, potentially resulting in diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues.

Gilbert Syndrome: A Genetic Factor

Gilbert syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. This condition can cause both skin and stool to take on a yellowish tinge. Typically mild and often diagnosed during teenage years, Gilbert syndrome results from the body’s inability to break down bilirubin effectively.

Diagnosing Yellow Diarrhea: Medical Approaches

Diagnosing the cause of yellow diarrhea often involves a combination of clinical assessment, patient history, and diagnostic tests. Healthcare providers may employ various methods to determine the underlying cause:

Clinical Examination and Patient History

A thorough physical examination and detailed discussion of symptoms, recent dietary changes, medication use, and travel history can provide valuable insights. Questions about the duration, frequency, and accompanying symptoms of diarrhea help in narrowing down potential causes.

Stool Analysis

Stool samples may be collected and analyzed for the presence of bacteria, parasites, or other abnormalities. This can help identify infectious causes of yellow diarrhea.

Blood Tests

Blood work can reveal signs of infection, inflammation, or liver function abnormalities. Tests may include liver function tests, complete blood count, and tests for specific infections.

Imaging Studies

In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI may be necessary to evaluate the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas for structural abnormalities or tumors.

Treatment Options for Yellow Diarrhea

The treatment for yellow diarrhea depends on its underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:

Addressing Dehydration

Regardless of the cause, maintaining proper hydration is crucial. Oral rehydration solutions can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes, especially in infants and young children.

Dietary Modifications

Temporary dietary changes may be recommended, such as following the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) or avoiding certain trigger foods.

Medications

Depending on the cause, medications may be prescribed. These could include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Anti-parasitic drugs for parasitic infections
• Antidiarrheal medications (used cautiously and under medical supervision)
• Bile acid sequestrants for bile acid malabsorption

Treating Underlying Conditions

If yellow diarrhea is a symptom of an underlying condition like liver disease or gallbladder issues, treating these conditions becomes the primary focus. This may involve medications, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, surgical interventions.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Yellow Diarrhea

While many cases of yellow diarrhea resolve on their own, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention:

Signs of Severe Dehydration

Watch for symptoms such as:

• Extreme thirst
• Dry mouth and skin
• Decreased urine output or dark urine
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Persistent or Severe Symptoms

Seek medical care if:

• Diarrhea lasts more than a few days
• There’s severe abdominal pain
• You notice blood in the stool
• You have a high fever (over 102°F or 39°C)

Infants and Young Children

For infants and young children, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly if they experience:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears when crying, decreased urination)
• Fever along with diarrhea

Preventing Yellow Diarrhea: Lifestyle and Dietary Considerations

While not all cases of yellow diarrhea are preventable, certain lifestyle and dietary choices can reduce the risk:

Maintaining Good Hygiene

Proper hand washing, especially before meals and after using the bathroom, can prevent many infectious causes of diarrhea.

Dietary Awareness

Being mindful of food choices, especially when traveling or trying new cuisines, can help avoid dietary-induced diarrhea. Ensure food is properly cooked and water is safe to drink.

Stress Management

Implementing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, regular exercise, or counseling can help mitigate stress-related digestive issues.

Regular Health Check-ups

Regular medical check-ups can help detect and address potential liver or gallbladder issues before they lead to more serious problems.

Understanding yellow diarrhea, its causes, and when to seek medical attention is crucial for maintaining digestive health. While often a temporary issue, persistent or severe cases should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out more serious underlying conditions. By staying informed and attentive to your body’s signals, you can better manage your digestive health and overall well-being.

Yellow Diarrhea: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Normal poop is tawny, meaning it’s a combination of yellow-brown and orange-brown. This color comes from bile and bilirubin.

Bile is a digestive enzyme made by your liver, and bilirubin is a waste product of your red blood cells that is removed through your stool. 

So what does it mean when there is a change in your poop’s color and consistency?

Well, it can be the result of something you ate or a stomach bug, or it could be the sign of an underlying medical condition.  

Read on to learn about yellow diarrhea in infants and adults: what causes it, how the problem is diagnosed, what is available for treatment, and when it’s time to see a doctor. 

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Infants

It’s normal for infants to have soft, frequent stools. Sometimes infants poop every time they are fed, and it’s normal for breastfed babies to have yellowish-colored poop.

This makes it difficult to know if your baby has diarrhea. 

A change in pattern, pooping more frequently, or poop that is more watery than usual can be signs your baby is having diarrhea. 

There are a few reasons why your baby could have diarrhea.

Some are not serious, while others may require your baby to see their primary medical provider.

Here are some possible reasons for your baby’s diarrhea:

• Your baby had a change in diet or, if you are breastfeeding, you had a change in diet.
• You started taking antibiotics and you are breastfeeding.
• Your baby is taking antibiotics.
• Bacterial infections can cause diarrhea, and antibiotics may be required to get better.
• Parasitic infections can also cause diarrhea and may require your baby to see their medical provider for testing and medicine.

Dehydration is another cause of diarrhea, and it can happen very quickly in children under three years of age.

If your baby is three months old or younger, notify the medical provider right away if they are having diarrhea.  

If your baby starts to have pale or white stool for no known reason, this could be a sign of cystic fibrosis.

If your baby has pale or white stool, be sure to notify their primary medical provider. 

Adults

Normal poop should be formed, smooth, and tawny.

Typically, a person has a regular bowel movement anywhere from three times a week to three times a day.

Diarrhea is a liquid stool for more than three times a day that is sometimes accompanied by cramping, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Anytime there is a change in the consistency or color of your stool, first think back to what you ate recently or if you started taking a new medication or supplement.

These could be the cause of your diarrhea. Typically, diarrhea lasts about four days and then resolves on its own.

Sometimes diarrhea does not go away and it gets a yellow color as well. Let’s talk about what could be the potential causes of that.  

Causes

Yellow stool, sometimes called pale stool, has several different causes.

The yellow color can come from a problem with your liver not being able to produce enough bile, or it could be from a bacterial infection.

Problems with your liver or gallbladder 

The liver’s main function is to make and release bile.

Then the liver stores the bile in your gallbladder, where it waits to be secreted into your digestive tract to help break down food.

Bile is what gives your poop its brown color.

If your liver or gallbladder are having trouble making bile or if the bile is blocked from getting out, your stool may have a pale or yellowish color and your poop may be diarrhea at times. 

Possible causes for liver or gallbladder problems are:

• Hepatitis caused by alcohol, virus, or infection
• Biliary cirrhosis
• Cyst in the bile duct
• Stones in your gallbladder (gallstones)
• Cancerous or noncancerous tumors in your liver, gallbladder, or pancreas

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Stress

Excess or chronic stress can cause diarrhea, along with several health issues. Chronic stress is stress that lasts for long periods of time.

As a reaction to stress, your body releases chemicals that help you in acute stress situations (e.g., alert you to prevent a car accident).

But with chronic stress, those chemicals are activated for long periods of time.

Overexposure to these chemicals can lead to issues with your digestive tract, heart, skin, and several other body functions. 

Gilbert syndrome

Gilbert syndrome is a genetic disorder in which there is too much bilirubin in the blood at times.

Bilirubin is a waste product of your red blood cells, and it is typically broken down and expelled through your stool.

But people with Gilbert syndrome don’t always break down the bilirubin. When this happens, it can cause their skin and stool to have a yellow tinge.

The condition is typically mild and is recognized and diagnosed in the teen years.  

Giardiasis

Giardiasis is a disease from a parasite that causes diarrhea.

You get it after coming in contact with contaminated water, food, or surfaces and then touching your mouth.

It is very contagious and is more common in areas with poor sanitation. 

Symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Greasy, foul-smelling poop that sometimes looks yellow
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Dehydration

Your medical provider can give you medicine to help get rid of the parasite. The infection usually lasts two to six weeks. 

Clostridioides difficile infection (C. diff)

A C. diff infection is caused by an overgrowth of the bacterium Clostridium difficile.

This type of infection can happen after you take antibiotics. 

Symptoms of a C. diff infection are:

• Watery diarrhea (sometimes 15 times per day or night)
• Stomach cramping
• Yellowish pus or blood in your stool
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Weight loss

Disorders affecting the pancreas

Pancreatitis is when your pancreas becomes inflamed and painful.

It can cause diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. The most common cause of pancreatitis is chronic alcohol consumption.

If left untreated or if the aggravating factors continue, pancreatitis can develop into chronic pancreatitis over time. Chronic pancreatitis can cause permanent damage to the pancreas. 

Diet

Several food intolerances can cause diarrhea that looks yellow at times.

This includes intolerances to:

• Lactose
• Soy
• Cereal grains
• Eggs
• Seafood

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is a chronic digestive disease that is triggered when you eat gluten.

Gluten is found in foods that contain grains.

A person who has celiac disease needs to avoid eating these types of foods to help stop the inflammation that it causes in their intestines. 

Diagnosis

Diagnosing your yellow diarrhea will first start with a physical exam by your medical provider, followed by a review of your medical history and current medications.

After that, your medical provider may recommend lab tests where your blood and stool can be evaluated. 

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on what is causing your yellow diarrhea. 

Treatment may include taking an antibiotic, antiviral, or antiparasitic if your diarrhea is caused by some type of infection or parasite.

It could also include learning what foods you should avoid if your problem is genetic or from chronic inflammation.

If you are severely dehydrated, you may require IV fluids administered in a hospital setting to restore your body to healthy hydration status. 

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When to See a Medical Provider

Seek medical care right away if you have:

• Diarrhea for more than two days
• A fever of 102° F (38.9° C) or higher
• Vomiting
• More than six loose stools in 24 hours
• Severe abdominal or rectal pain
• Black tarry stools or pus
• Symptoms of dehydration

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does yellow, liquid diarrhea mean?

Yellow diarrhea can mean several things. It could be caused by a problem with one of your digestive organs, including your liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. It could also be caused by a germ, like a bacteria or virus, or a parasite. There are also food intolerances that can cause diarrhea after eating a certain type of food. It’s important to monitor your diarrhea and, if you show signs of dehydration, to seek medical care right away.

Does yellow diarrhea mean I have an infection?

It can sometimes mean an infection—there are bacteria and viruses that can cause diarrhea. If this is the case, you’ll need to be treated with antibiotics to get better. However, it can also be caused by a parasite, which will require medication, or by eating a food that you have an intolerance to.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions,
and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

• Celiac Disease. (n.d.)
  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/celiac-disease

• Common Disorders of the Pancreas. (n.d.)
  https://pancreasfoundation.org/patient-information/about-the-pancreas/common-disorders-of-the-pancreas/

• Diarrhea in Infants. (2021.)
  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000691.htm

• Gilbert Syndrome. (2012.)
  https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/gilbert-syndrome/#causes

• Case Report: White Colored Stool: An Early Signs of Cystic Fibrosis in Infants. (2021.)
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8081048/

• Parasites – Giardia (2021. )
  https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/giardia/general-info.html

• Stools – Pale or clay-colored. (n.d)
  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003129.htm

• Stress and your health. (n.d)
  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003211.htm

• Symptoms & Causes of Diarrhea. (2016.)
  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/symptoms-causes

• Treating and Preventing C. difficile Infections. (2017.)
  https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/c-difficile-update/consumer

Yellow Poop: Causes, Meaning, and Treatment

It’s common for your stool to change color. You likely have a varied diet, and changes in your diet impact your stool. But yellow stool could also mean one of a number of health conditions.

Bilirubin and bile give poop its brown color. Bilirubin is a byproduct of your red blood cells. It’s produced in the liver and then moves to the gallbladder, where it mixes with bile.

From there, most of the bilirubin passes into your intestines, where it’s broken down by bacteria and discarded in your feces or urine.

Several health conditions can cause yellow stool, also called pale stool.

1. Liver and gallbladder disorders

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

2. Disorders that affect the pancreas

Chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, a blockage in the pancreatic duct, or cystic fibrosis can also turn your stool yellow.

These conditions can cause steatorrhea, which means that your pancreas isn’t providing enough of the enzymes your intestines need to digest fat in food. The undigested fat can give the stool a yellow, greasy appearance causing it to float or appear frothy.

3. Celiac disease

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. If you have celiac disease and eat gluten, your body’s immune system responds by attacking and damaging the tissues of your small intestine. When this happens, your intestines aren’t able to absorb the nutrients your body needs. Celiac disease commonly runs in families.

According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, more than 250 symptoms are associated with celiac disease. This can make it difficult to diagnose the condition. The most common symptoms include:

• diarrhea
• constipation
• nausea
• bloating
• fatigue
• headache
• skin rash
• loss of bone density
• depression

Although there is no cure for celiac disease, it can be treated effectively by eliminating gluten from your diet.

4. Gilbert’s syndrome

Gilbert’s syndrome is a genetic liver disorder characterized by periods when bilirubin levels are too high. The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports that Gilbert’s syndrome affects 3% to 7% of Americans. Symptoms of the disorder, primarily mild jaundice, are so mild that many people don’t know they have it. Gilbert’s syndrome is usually left untreated.

5. Giardiasis

Giardiasis is an infection of the intestinal tract by a microscopic parasite called giardia. You get giardiasis by ingesting giardia cysts. These are typically ingested with your food or water.

Symptoms of giardiasis may include:

• foul-smelling diarrhea that is often yellow
• stomach cramps
• nausea
• headache
• Low grade fever
• weight loss

Giardiasis is diagnosed by testing a stool sample. Although some people don’t require treatment, most are given antibiotics. Giardiasis often lasts several weeks. Giardiasis may become chronic, though this is rare.

Giardiasis is a common disorder worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), giardiasis is the most widespread intestinal parasitic infection in the United States.

Q:

When changing my baby’s diaper, sometimes his stool is yellow. Is this normal? If not, how should I treat it?

A Healthline reader

A:

Yes, yellow stool can indicate a shorter transit time of food through the intestinal tract. Different colors (darker) can indicate that transit time is slowing. It is not uncommon for stool to change colors. If you notice blood or diarrhea, you should notify your doctor immediately, as these may herald a serious health issue.

Timothy J. Legg, PhD, CRNPAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

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If you are older and have a yellow stool, it may be a sign of another health condition. These can include:

• diarrhea
• GERD
• cholestasis
• pancreatic, liver, or gallbladder disease
• abdominal tumor

Some of the complications of untreated yellow stool include low red blood counts, dehydration, poor nutrition, growth trouble in children, and the potential to spread cancers or infections.

Some symptoms are warning signs of a digestive tract problem, such as:

• diarrhea
• nausea and vomiting
• indigestion and gas
• severely bad-smelling stool
• swelling and bloating in the abdomen
• cramping in the abdomen

Other complications that may occur with yellow stool are jaundice, fever and fatigue, skin itching, and bone or joint pain.

If your stool turns yellow, it’s most often due to changes in your diet. If the color persists for several days or is accompanied by other symptoms, you may want to contact your doctor.

You should see your doctor if your yellow stool is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• passing out
• lack of awareness
• confusion or mental changes
• fever
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• trouble breathing
• pus-filled stool
• lack of urine

You can connect with a primary care doctor in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.

Is yellow poop normal?

Yellow poop can be your body’s typical reaction to what you eat. Some causes of this are eating foods high in food coloring, carrots, or sweet potatoes. It may also be from certain gluten products or a diet high in fats. That said, if it’s happening chronically, you may want to see a doctor to exclude an underlying medical cause.

Does yellow poop mean infection?

Yellow poop can be caused by giardiasis, which is a bacterial infection. However, it’s not the only possible cause.

Can Covid-19 cause yellow poop?

Research shows that people who experience diarrhea as a symptom of Covid-19 can have yellow stool. This is likely due to your body not having enough time to digest your food.

Your bowel movements may differ in color, depending on what you’ve eaten recently. But if your stool is yellow, it could be indicative of a medical condition.

If you are having yellow poop, especially if you are noticing it frequently, see your doctor for an evaluation. Many things can cause yellow stool, and it’s a good idea to find the cause in case you need treatment.

Cholagenic diarrhea – a variant of postcholecystectomy syndrome

FA – bile acids

PCES – postcholecystectomy syndrome

IBS-D – irritable bowel syndrome with predominant diarrhea

CD – chronic diarrhea

XC – cholesterol

CE – cholecystectomy

Chronic diarrhea (CD) is one of the persistent symptoms of bowel disease. Among the various mechanisms of HD, the most common is intestinal hypersecretion, in the pathogenesis of which bile acids (BA) are of great importance. They are detergent molecules produced in the liver from cholesterol (Cholesterol). As detergents, fatty acids form mixed micelles in combination with cholesterol and phospholipids. The resulting amphiopathic molecules activate pancreatic lipase, participate in the dissolution and absorption of cholesterol, fat-soluble vitamins and lipids. Triglyceride cleavage products – monoglycerides and fatty acids are delivered by the lipid complex to the mucous membrane of the small intestine, where they are absorbed. The fatty acids themselves are deconjugated and dehydroxylated under the influence of microflora and are actively absorbed in the ileum using a special transport system and Na 9 ions.0015 + [1, 2]. Active transport of fatty acids into the ileum epithelial cells is provided by secondary fatty acids, mainly lithocholic acid, which activates the fibroblast growth factor receptor FXR, which captures the intestinal hormone fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF-19). The latter transports deconjugated FAs through the portal vein system into hepatocyte (see figure, a). Figure 1. FA absorption in the ileum [3]. a — normal enterohepatic circulation of fatty acids; b — disturbed enterohepatic circulation of fatty acids. With a sufficient amount of intestinal hormone FGF-19reaching the liver, the signaling system inhibits the liver enzyme that synthesizes fatty acids in the liver [3]. Reabsorbed fatty acids are conjugated in the liver. Normally, 95% of the fatty acids re-enter the liver and only 5% are excreted in the feces.

In FGF-19 deficiency, a much smaller amount of FA is absorbed in the epithelial cell and reaches the hepatocyte (see figure, b). Deficiency of intestinal hormone activates the liver enzyme cholesterol-7α-hydrolase through the signaling system. This enzyme increases the synthesis of new fatty acids, compensatory increase in the amount of fatty acids included in the hepato-intestinal circulation [4]. Thus, the amount of fatty acids entering the small intestine increases, while their reabsorption in the ileum epitheliocyte remains reduced due to a deficiency of the intestinal hormone and/or its receptor. In this case, malabsorption of fatty acids occurs, and most of them enter the large intestine, where fatty acids activate cyclic adenosine monophosphate, which enhances the secretion of water and electrolytes. This is what causes cholagenic diarrhea. A similar mechanism of cholagenic diarrhea associated with FA malabsorption also develops in inflammatory diseases of the ileum, in particular in Crohn’s disease.

Excessive loss of fatty acids in the feces and, as a result, cholagen diarrhea can also occur as a result of the rapid passage of chyme. A similar effect on the intestine is exerted by FAs in the case of asynchronous with food intake of bile into the gastrointestinal tract [5]. The presence of a large amount of bile in the stool distinguishes this type of CD by the appearance of frequent watery stools with a bright yellow or greenish color and pain in the right iliac region, due to the flow of a large amount of bile into the caecum [6].

The aim of this work was to study the role of GI in the pathogenesis of CD in patients who underwent cholecystectomy (CE).

Materials and methods

The study (1st) group consisted of 25 patients (11 men and 14 women) who were admitted to the Department of Intestinal Pathology of the Central Research Institute for CHD, the appearance of which was preceded by CE, performed from six months to 15 years ago due to calculous cholecystitis. The exclusion criteria were variants of postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS), which developed as a result of the surgical intervention itself, and chronic biliary pancreatitis. The comparison group (Group 2) included 11 patients (6 men and 5 women aged 24 to 39years, on average 29.3±4.8 years) with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). The control group (group 3) included 15 healthy individuals (7 men and 8 women) aged 27 to 57 years (54±6 years).

The most accessible and informative method for studying FA malabsorption is their determination in feces. Examination of FA in feces was carried out in the first 2–3 days of admission and 14–15 days after the start of treatment. Using a Randox spectrophotometer (Great Britain), the concentration of fatty acids in an alcoholic extract from fecal samples weighing 1–1.5 g was determined by the enzymatic method. Excretion of fatty acids in the daily amount of feces was calculated.

Statistical data processing was performed using the Windows Statistica 6.0 software package (StatSoft Inc., USA). The reliability of the results obtained was determined using the Student’s t-test and the Wilcoxon test.

Results

Clinical characteristics of patients are presented in tab. 1. At admission, all patients of the 1st group had watery diarrhea or mushy stools. Attention was drawn to the bright yellow or greenish color of feces and burning in the anus after defecation – indirect signs of an increased content of fatty acids in feces. Almost everyone was worried about systematic pain in the right half of the abdomen with localization corresponding to the right half of the colon. Pain occurred 30-40 minutes after eating, accompanied by belching, nausea and bitterness in the mouth. Colonoscopy performed in all patients revealed in most cases bile or bile-stained mucus in the caecum and ascending colon.

The clinical picture in patients with IBS-D (Group 2) corresponded to the conditions of the Rome III criteria (2006). Patients were disturbed by an unstable stool with a predominance of liquid or unformed, abdominal pain, subsiding or decreasing after a stool, rumbling in the abdomen and flatulence.

The concentration of fatty acids in the feces of the control group ranged from 15.3 to 104.2 mg/day and averaged 70.4±6.8 mg/day. All patients of the 1st group showed an increase in the amount of fatty acids in the feces from 145.7 to 1207.5 mg/day. Their average concentration was about 10 times higher than the norm, amounting to 786.4±103.7 mg/day (Table 2). In patients with IBS-D (comparison group), the content of fatty acids in the feces ranged from 37.6 to 122.3 mg/day and, on average, did not differ significantly from the norm (72.1±9.7 mg/day).

Thus, the results of the study confirmed the association of HD in patients who had undergone CE with increased loss of fatty acids.

The complex therapy of the examined patients included adsorbents, astringents (white clay, calcium carbonate, dermatol). Changes in the frequency and consistency of stool in patients of the 1st and 2nd groups during treatment are presented in tab. 3. According to the presented data, the majority of patients of the 1st group and all patients of the 2nd group showed normalization of the stool. At the same time, in 21 patients of the 1st group, there was a decrease in FA losses with feces to normal, averaging 96.2±8.4 mg/day (p<0.05). In 4 patients of this group, mushy stools remained, and the concentration of fatty acids in the feces remained in the range from 409.2 to 876.4 mg/day, i.e. 5-10 times higher than normal. The reason for the insufficiently effective treatment was, apparently, an inadequate dose of the enterosorbent. In addition, the analysis of the clinical material showed that in all 4 patients the terms of the performed CE were shorter than in the rest, ranging from 6 to 8 months.

In the comparison group, the amount of fatty acids in the feces did not change significantly under the influence of treatment and amounted to 69.7±7.3 mg/day.

Talk

It is known that some patients who have undergone CE develop CD. M. Fisher et al. observed this complication in 17% of patients who underwent laparoscopic CE [7]. According to E.V. Bystrovskaya, who studied the prevalence of PCES, CD after CE occurs in 8.5% of patients [8]. The causes of CD after CE are not well understood. According to our data, in patients without a gallbladder, the passage of chyme through the small intestine is accelerated, which is caused by an asynchronous flow of bile that stimulates peristalsis [6]. The consequence of these disorders is cholagenous diarrhea. The leading role in the mechanism of its development in patients with removed gallbladder is played by an increased flow of bile into the large intestine, where it inhibits absorption and enhances the secretion of water and electrolytes, causing hypersecretory diarrhea.

The presence of a large amount of bile in the stool distinguishes this type of HD by the appearance of some symptoms peculiar only to it. The main clinical symptoms of HD are frequent watery stools with bright yellow or greenish feces and pain in the right iliac region, due to the flow of large amounts of bile into the caecum. Since CD after CE develops only in some patients, it can be assumed that this type of diarrhea develops due to a deficiency of the FRX receptor in the epithelial cell or the intestinal hormone FGF-19.. According to a number of authors [9, 10], this occurs as a result of a breakdown in the genetic system. Secondary malabsorption of FA also develops in inflammatory diseases of the ileum, which were not observed in the patients examined by us. It can be assumed that the causes of diarrhea after CE may be: a) rapid passage of intestinal contents; b) genetically determined deficiency of FGF-19 or its capturing receptor; c) inflammatory changes in the ileum. Thus, the causes of diarrhea complicating CE necessitate further study, but it can already be considered that cholagenic diarrhea should be singled out as a separate variant of PCES.

Conclusion

High losses of fatty acids with faeces were noted in all patients with CD who had undergone CE in the past. The cause of diarrhea in these patients is fatty acids, which enter the large intestine in excess. Normalization of the stool with a simultaneous decrease in the content of fatty acids in the feces in 92% of patients was achieved using adsorbents and astringents. Thus, cholagenic diarrhea can be distinguished as a separate variant of PCES.

Vomiting and diarrhea in a cat

1. What can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats
2. Vomiting and diarrhea in a cat what to do in emergency cases
3. Diarrhea and vomiting in a cat treatment and prevention / or diarrhea. Isolated cases should not cause particular concern to the owners, it is enough just to determine the source of the trouble itself.

   Another thing is if there is constant diarrhea and vomiting in a cat, the causes of which can be simply banal or, on the contrary, become a herald of the development of dangerous diseases or intoxication of the body.

   What can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats

   An owner’s observation of the pet’s behavior can be of great help in making a diagnosis. In any case, it is necessary to know all the factors that underlie the root cause of this pet condition:

   • Worm infestation;
   • Poisoning from drugs, stale or expired food or chemicals;
   • Abrupt power change;
   • Allergic reaction;
   • Pathology of the liver, kidneys or pancreas;
   • Viral or bacterial infection;
   • Development of benign or malignant neoplasms.

   It is especially worth paying attention to when the cat is sick and has diarrhea with an admixture of blood inclusions. You cannot do without qualified help from a veterinarian, and therefore you should not postpone a visit to the doctor.

   Vomiting and diarrhea in a cat what to do in an emergency

   If the appearance of diarrhea and vomiting in cats is accompanied by bouts of apathy, loss of appetite and lethargy in a pet, the first thing to do is to see a doctor. If this is not possible, you can arrange a fasting day for the cat, leaving one boiled water in the diet. The main thing is to prevent dehydration of the body, that is, by any means, after each bowel movement, try to give the pet a drink if it does not cause vomiting.

   The final diagnosis will be made only by a certified specialist through a comprehensive analysis of the anamnesis, clinical signs and laboratory data. It will be necessary to pass clinical and biochemical blood tests, fecal analysis, if necessary, research for infections, x-rays and ultrasound diagnostics. That is why, if a cat suddenly has diarrhea and vomiting, what to do, how to treat, only a knowledgeable veterinarian will tell.

   Diarrhea and vomiting in a cat treatment and prevention

   Frequent defecation and vomiting causes a lot of inconvenience to both owners and pets. Therefore, a timely visit to the veterinary clinic and treatment by a good veterinarian will speed up the process of restoring the body of a cat or cat, and possibly extend their life.

   The following preventive measures will help to minimize the risks of such a condition of the animal, which include:

   • Protecting the cat during a walk from garbage containers, leftover food and communication with homeless animals;
   • In maintaining the hygiene of pet toilets and food bowls;
   • In feeding only fresh and high-quality food;
   • In carrying out anthelmintic measures every 3 months;
   • In the annual routine medical examination and vaccination.

   Based on the above, we can conclude that only with proper care with maximum responsibility and prompt veterinary care, you can protect your pet from many diseases and prolong his health.

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