Post by Master Kim on Mar 6, 2016 22:32:15 GMT -5
Stool Color, Changes in Color, Texture, and Form - www.medicinenet.com/stool_color_changes/article.htm
Stool color, texture, and form changes facts
◾The normal stool (poop, feces) usually is light to dark brown.
◾Although changes in stool color or texture may be normal, most changes should be evaluated.
◾The symptoms associated with stool color changes, if any, are the symptoms of the underlying cause of the change, for example, foods, drinks, conditions, or illnesses such as diet (beets, diets rich in green vegetables, licorice), gallbladder disease, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, tumors, diverticular disease, cancers, or hemorrhoids.
◾Changes in stool color may be due to diarrhea; bleeding in the intestine; diseases of the intestines, liver, or pancreas; and medications
◾Diagnosis when stool color changes depends on what process is suspected of causing the change, for example, gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy if bleeding is supsected.
◾The treatment for stool color changes is to treat the underlying cause.
Definition of stool color changes
◾Stool (feces or poop) is the waste product of digestion.
◾Food mixes with bile from the liver and digestive enzymes from the pancreas allowing protein, carbohydrates, and fats in the diet to be broken down to form a slurry.
◾This liquid mixture then passes through the small intestine where nutrients are absorbed into the blood stream, and the leftover liquid waste is delivered to the colon.
◾In the colon, water is absorbed and results in stool formation.
◾Normal stool contains bacteria and undigested or partially digested food, especially cellulose from plant material, and bile.
◾Bacteria are capable of breaking down this undigested food for their own personal use, and some of the products of their activity are absorbed back into the body.
◾There is moderate variation among individuals with respect to stool color, quantity and form; however, changes in color, form, texture, and quantity can be an indicator of GI health or disease especially if there are changes.
What is the color of normal stool?
Stool (feces) color is most commonly brown. When stool color changes an person often becomes concerned. The presence of the bilirubin in the bile (a breakdown product of the hemoglobin in red blood cells that are normally destroyed after a useful life of several weeks) is generally responsible for stool color. Bilirubin concentration can vary the color of stool from light yellow to almost black. Changes in the chemical structure of the bilirubin can cause stool to turn green or yellow. Yellow stool also may occur if stool is dilute or there is a reduction in the amount of bilirubin that is produced by the liver. Bacteria and digestive enzymes in the intestine can act on the bilirubin and change its color. Most stool-to-stool changes in color have little meaning. However, some changes, particularly if the changes are consistent over time and not present in only one stool, can be important.
What are symptoms of stool color changes?
Changes in stool color alone do not cause symptoms. The underlying cause of the change in stool color, texture, or form is responsible for any symptoms.
What are the causes of stool color, texture, and form changes?
In most cases, stool color changes are not symptoms of disease. Changes in stool color may be due to:
◾Diarrhea may cause green or yellow stools.
◾Some foods (beets, Jell-O, licorice)
◾A few OTC and prescription medications
◾Diseases affecting the liver, pancreas, and intestines
Green stools
If stool passes through the intestine too quickly, there might not be enough time for bile to be digested and broken down to provide the normal brownish stool color. Bile that is chemically changed by bacteria in the intestine can be greenish-brown. It takes time for the bile to be fully changed in the intestine and become brown again, and if the transit time is short, the stool remains green colored.
Green stools may be a normal variant. It can also be caused by a diet rich in green vegetables, especially spinach. Iron supplements also may be a cause, though iron often turns stool black.
Yellow, greasy, and foul smelling stool
There are a variety of reasons why stool will be yellow, greasy, and foul smelling. It can be due to the intestine's inability to digest and absorb fat because of diseases of the intestinal lining (such as in celiac disease and cystic fibrosis) because the pancreas is unable to manufacture adequate digestive enzymes (such as with chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer that blocks the pancreatic duct, or there is not enough bile being delivered to the intestine (such as in cancer of the liver or bile ducts that block delivery of bile to the intestine). The yellowness, greasiness, and foul smell is due to the undigested fat.
Bright red stools
The most common cause of bright red stool is bleeding from hemorrhoids, but other bleeding causes are much more significant. For that reason, blood in the stool should never be ignored. Other causes include infections of the intestines, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), diverticular bleeding, tumors, and arteriovenous malformations (abnormal communications between arteries and veins in the wall of the intestine that rupture). Brisk bleeding from the upper GI tract may cause stools to be red instead of black if there has not been enough time for the red blood cells to be digested. Red food coloring and beets can also give a reddish hue to the stool.
Black tarry stools
Black stools are a worrisome symptom because it may be due to a large amount of bleeding into the GI tract, most often from the upper GI tract including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Red blood cells are broken down by digestive enzymes in the intestine and turn the stool black. These stools tend to be tarry (sticky), and foul smelling. This can be a medical emergency; black tarry stools should not be ignored.
Blood from nosebleeds or from dental procedures and injuries can be swallowed and may be the cause of black stool, but the amount of bleeding usually is not substantial enough to do this.
Light-colored white or clay-colored stools
White-or clay colored stool are often seen with diseases of the liver or bile ducts. It also may be caused by pancreatic cancer that blocks the bile ducts. Lack of bile gives stool its brown color and leaves it appearing pale.
Maroon stools
Maroon colored stools are often due to bleeding in the GI tract. The source of bleeding for red stools is the upper GI tract (esophagus, stomach, duodenum), while the colon is the source for bright red blood. Maroon stools, which is caused by partial digestion of the blood in the intestine often arises from the small intestine (jejunum, ileum) and proximal colon, but the color also depends in part on how rapidly the blood travels through the intestines. The faster the stool moves through the GI tract, the brighter red the color. This can be an emergency situation.
Mucous in the stool
Mucous in the stool may be normal, and it may cover segments of formed feces. However, it also can occur in people with inflammatory bowel disease or cancer. Mucous that is also associated with blood and/or abdominal pain should not be ignored and requires medical attention. People irritable bowel syndrome also can have mucous in the stool.
Drugs that change stool color
The most common drugs that change the color of stool are the drugs that turn the stool black that were previously discussed. Nevertheless, a large number of other drugs have been associated with changes in the color of stool to black or even other colors. Practically, the importance of this fact is that the any new drugs or dietary supplements need to be considered as the cause of any change in stool color.
Stool that floats
Most stool floats because it contains an excessive amount of gas. By itself it is normal and usually of no concern. Changes in diet can lead to stool that floats, but as an isolated symptom, no action needs to be taken, and often it resolves spontaneously. Stool does not float because of an increased amount of fat. (Fat in stool causes oil droplets in the toilet bowl.)
Any condition that causes increased amounts of gas to form in the intestines theoretically can lead to floating stool, especially in conditions in which there is malabsorption such as with lactose intolerance, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, and short bowel syndrome.
Changes in the size and shape of stool
Each person has their own size, shape and consistency of stool. It is the change in stool pattern that matters more than the absolute size and shape of stool. Narrow stool, sometimes called pencil-thin, may occur occasionally and is of no concern. People with irritable bowel syndrome may develop thinner stools.
Nevertheless, a person with "normal" stools that has a new change in the diameter, length, width (caliber) of the bowel movement should consult his/her doctor. This may be a sign of a narrowed or scarred colon, perlhaps due to a tumor, but the doctor may want further information about accompanying symptoms or tests.
It is not unusual to have two or even three stools in a morning. The first stool will usually have a more solid form because it has been in the colon (where water is absorbed) the longest. The second stool will be looser, and if there is a third stool it will be loosest of all. Another change in stool form that often requires evaluation is the development of looser or firmer than normal stools. At one end of the spectrum is constipation or diarrhea, but even if the change does not reach these levels, consistent, milder changes in either direction need to be evaluated.
How is the cause of stool color changes diagnosed?
In most cases, a diagnosis, if any, cannot be made by stool color alone.
The patient and the doctor need to consider other symptoms, past medical history, dietary changes, and medications to help decide what has caused the stool to change color. Physical examination will be important to help decide the significance of the stool color.
Stool may be tested to look for blood, fat, or infection. Blood tests may be necessary depending upon the clinical situation. Depending on the change in color, it may be necessary to evaluate the pancreas, liver or GI tract.
When should I contact my doctor about stool color or texture changes?
Aside from black, red, or maroon stools that may signify bleeding and require urgent assessment and treatment, most color changes are not an emergency. The significance is determined based on other symptoms that might be present.
Women who are pregnant often note changes in their bowel pattern. Stool can turn black because of iron and vitamin supplements. Iron can also turn stool greenish. As the uterus enlarges and increases pressure within the pelvis, constipation may occur and hemorrhoids can develop and cause blood in the stool.
If there is no underlying problem, stool color changes are often due to changes in the diet and will resolve in a couple of days. If this is not the case and changes persist, it is appropriate to contact your doctor and seek medical attention.
Contact your doctor if you have stool color changes and have associated symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever or abdominal pain.
It is important to remember that every person is different and changes in bowel habit be it color, size, frequency, or consistency (hard or soft) may be normal for one person or a sign of a potential problem for another.
Diarrhea and Digestive Distress: Problem Foods to Avoid
Fried Foods: They're high in fat and can bring on diarrhea. Rich sauces, fatty cuts of meat, and buttery or creamy desserts can cause problems, too. Choose roasted or baked foods and light sauces that feature vegetables instead of butter or cream.
Citrus Fruits: Because they're high in fiber, they can give some folks an upset stomach. Go easy on oranges, grapefruit, and other citrus fruits if your belly doesn't feel right.
Artificial Sugar: Chew too much sugar-free gum made with sorbitol and you might get cramps and diarrhea. Food made with this artificial sweetener can cause the same problems. The FDA warns that you might get diarrhea if you eat 50 or more grams a day of sorbitol, though even much lower amounts reportedly cause trouble for some people.
Too Much Fiber: Foods high in this healthy carb, like whole grains and vegetables, are good for digestion. But if you start eating lots of them, your digestive system may have trouble adjusting. The result: gas and bloating. So step up the amount of fiber you eat gradually.
Beans: They're loaded with healthy protein and fiber, but they also have hard-to-digest sugars that cause gas and cramping. Your body doesn't have enzymes that can break them down. Bacteria in your gut do the work instead, giving off gas in the process.
Cabbage and Its Cousins: Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cabbage, have the same sugars that make beans gassy. Their high fiber can also make them hard to digest. It will be easier on your stomach if you cook them instead of eating raw. Try this tip to get rid of some of the troublesome sugars: Soak dried beans for at least 4 hours and pour off the water before cooking.
Fructose: Foods sweetened with this -- including sodas, candy, fruit juice, and pastries -- are hard for some people to digest. That can lead to diarrhea, bloating, and cramps.
Spicy Foods: Some people get indigestion or heartburn after eating them, especially when it's a large meal. Studies suggest the hot ingredient in chili peppers, called capsaicin, may be a culprit.
Dairy Products: If they trigger diarrhea, bloating, and gas, you may be "lactose intolerant." It means you don't have an enzyme that digests a sugar in milk and other forms of dairy. Avoid those foods or try an over-the-counter drop or pill that has the missing enzyme.
Peppermint: It can relax the muscle at the top of the stomach, which lets food move back into your esophagus. That can cause heartburn. Other culprits include chocolate or coffee. Experts say you can lower the pressure that pushes the food back up if you lose extra weight, eat smaller portions, and don't lie down after eating. Also, learn what foods give you problems, so you can avoid them.
Stool color, texture, and form changes facts
◾The normal stool (poop, feces) usually is light to dark brown.
◾Although changes in stool color or texture may be normal, most changes should be evaluated.
◾The symptoms associated with stool color changes, if any, are the symptoms of the underlying cause of the change, for example, foods, drinks, conditions, or illnesses such as diet (beets, diets rich in green vegetables, licorice), gallbladder disease, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, tumors, diverticular disease, cancers, or hemorrhoids.
◾Changes in stool color may be due to diarrhea; bleeding in the intestine; diseases of the intestines, liver, or pancreas; and medications
◾Diagnosis when stool color changes depends on what process is suspected of causing the change, for example, gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy if bleeding is supsected.
◾The treatment for stool color changes is to treat the underlying cause.
Definition of stool color changes
◾Stool (feces or poop) is the waste product of digestion.
◾Food mixes with bile from the liver and digestive enzymes from the pancreas allowing protein, carbohydrates, and fats in the diet to be broken down to form a slurry.
◾This liquid mixture then passes through the small intestine where nutrients are absorbed into the blood stream, and the leftover liquid waste is delivered to the colon.
◾In the colon, water is absorbed and results in stool formation.
◾Normal stool contains bacteria and undigested or partially digested food, especially cellulose from plant material, and bile.
◾Bacteria are capable of breaking down this undigested food for their own personal use, and some of the products of their activity are absorbed back into the body.
◾There is moderate variation among individuals with respect to stool color, quantity and form; however, changes in color, form, texture, and quantity can be an indicator of GI health or disease especially if there are changes.
What is the color of normal stool?
Stool (feces) color is most commonly brown. When stool color changes an person often becomes concerned. The presence of the bilirubin in the bile (a breakdown product of the hemoglobin in red blood cells that are normally destroyed after a useful life of several weeks) is generally responsible for stool color. Bilirubin concentration can vary the color of stool from light yellow to almost black. Changes in the chemical structure of the bilirubin can cause stool to turn green or yellow. Yellow stool also may occur if stool is dilute or there is a reduction in the amount of bilirubin that is produced by the liver. Bacteria and digestive enzymes in the intestine can act on the bilirubin and change its color. Most stool-to-stool changes in color have little meaning. However, some changes, particularly if the changes are consistent over time and not present in only one stool, can be important.
What are symptoms of stool color changes?
Changes in stool color alone do not cause symptoms. The underlying cause of the change in stool color, texture, or form is responsible for any symptoms.
What are the causes of stool color, texture, and form changes?
In most cases, stool color changes are not symptoms of disease. Changes in stool color may be due to:
◾Diarrhea may cause green or yellow stools.
◾Some foods (beets, Jell-O, licorice)
◾A few OTC and prescription medications
◾Diseases affecting the liver, pancreas, and intestines
Green stools
If stool passes through the intestine too quickly, there might not be enough time for bile to be digested and broken down to provide the normal brownish stool color. Bile that is chemically changed by bacteria in the intestine can be greenish-brown. It takes time for the bile to be fully changed in the intestine and become brown again, and if the transit time is short, the stool remains green colored.
Green stools may be a normal variant. It can also be caused by a diet rich in green vegetables, especially spinach. Iron supplements also may be a cause, though iron often turns stool black.
Yellow, greasy, and foul smelling stool
There are a variety of reasons why stool will be yellow, greasy, and foul smelling. It can be due to the intestine's inability to digest and absorb fat because of diseases of the intestinal lining (such as in celiac disease and cystic fibrosis) because the pancreas is unable to manufacture adequate digestive enzymes (such as with chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer that blocks the pancreatic duct, or there is not enough bile being delivered to the intestine (such as in cancer of the liver or bile ducts that block delivery of bile to the intestine). The yellowness, greasiness, and foul smell is due to the undigested fat.
Bright red stools
The most common cause of bright red stool is bleeding from hemorrhoids, but other bleeding causes are much more significant. For that reason, blood in the stool should never be ignored. Other causes include infections of the intestines, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), diverticular bleeding, tumors, and arteriovenous malformations (abnormal communications between arteries and veins in the wall of the intestine that rupture). Brisk bleeding from the upper GI tract may cause stools to be red instead of black if there has not been enough time for the red blood cells to be digested. Red food coloring and beets can also give a reddish hue to the stool.
Black tarry stools
Black stools are a worrisome symptom because it may be due to a large amount of bleeding into the GI tract, most often from the upper GI tract including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Red blood cells are broken down by digestive enzymes in the intestine and turn the stool black. These stools tend to be tarry (sticky), and foul smelling. This can be a medical emergency; black tarry stools should not be ignored.
Blood from nosebleeds or from dental procedures and injuries can be swallowed and may be the cause of black stool, but the amount of bleeding usually is not substantial enough to do this.
Light-colored white or clay-colored stools
White-or clay colored stool are often seen with diseases of the liver or bile ducts. It also may be caused by pancreatic cancer that blocks the bile ducts. Lack of bile gives stool its brown color and leaves it appearing pale.
Maroon stools
Maroon colored stools are often due to bleeding in the GI tract. The source of bleeding for red stools is the upper GI tract (esophagus, stomach, duodenum), while the colon is the source for bright red blood. Maroon stools, which is caused by partial digestion of the blood in the intestine often arises from the small intestine (jejunum, ileum) and proximal colon, but the color also depends in part on how rapidly the blood travels through the intestines. The faster the stool moves through the GI tract, the brighter red the color. This can be an emergency situation.
Mucous in the stool
Mucous in the stool may be normal, and it may cover segments of formed feces. However, it also can occur in people with inflammatory bowel disease or cancer. Mucous that is also associated with blood and/or abdominal pain should not be ignored and requires medical attention. People irritable bowel syndrome also can have mucous in the stool.
Drugs that change stool color
The most common drugs that change the color of stool are the drugs that turn the stool black that were previously discussed. Nevertheless, a large number of other drugs have been associated with changes in the color of stool to black or even other colors. Practically, the importance of this fact is that the any new drugs or dietary supplements need to be considered as the cause of any change in stool color.
Stool that floats
Most stool floats because it contains an excessive amount of gas. By itself it is normal and usually of no concern. Changes in diet can lead to stool that floats, but as an isolated symptom, no action needs to be taken, and often it resolves spontaneously. Stool does not float because of an increased amount of fat. (Fat in stool causes oil droplets in the toilet bowl.)
Any condition that causes increased amounts of gas to form in the intestines theoretically can lead to floating stool, especially in conditions in which there is malabsorption such as with lactose intolerance, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, and short bowel syndrome.
Changes in the size and shape of stool
Each person has their own size, shape and consistency of stool. It is the change in stool pattern that matters more than the absolute size and shape of stool. Narrow stool, sometimes called pencil-thin, may occur occasionally and is of no concern. People with irritable bowel syndrome may develop thinner stools.
Nevertheless, a person with "normal" stools that has a new change in the diameter, length, width (caliber) of the bowel movement should consult his/her doctor. This may be a sign of a narrowed or scarred colon, perlhaps due to a tumor, but the doctor may want further information about accompanying symptoms or tests.
It is not unusual to have two or even three stools in a morning. The first stool will usually have a more solid form because it has been in the colon (where water is absorbed) the longest. The second stool will be looser, and if there is a third stool it will be loosest of all. Another change in stool form that often requires evaluation is the development of looser or firmer than normal stools. At one end of the spectrum is constipation or diarrhea, but even if the change does not reach these levels, consistent, milder changes in either direction need to be evaluated.
How is the cause of stool color changes diagnosed?
In most cases, a diagnosis, if any, cannot be made by stool color alone.
The patient and the doctor need to consider other symptoms, past medical history, dietary changes, and medications to help decide what has caused the stool to change color. Physical examination will be important to help decide the significance of the stool color.
Stool may be tested to look for blood, fat, or infection. Blood tests may be necessary depending upon the clinical situation. Depending on the change in color, it may be necessary to evaluate the pancreas, liver or GI tract.
When should I contact my doctor about stool color or texture changes?
Aside from black, red, or maroon stools that may signify bleeding and require urgent assessment and treatment, most color changes are not an emergency. The significance is determined based on other symptoms that might be present.
Women who are pregnant often note changes in their bowel pattern. Stool can turn black because of iron and vitamin supplements. Iron can also turn stool greenish. As the uterus enlarges and increases pressure within the pelvis, constipation may occur and hemorrhoids can develop and cause blood in the stool.
If there is no underlying problem, stool color changes are often due to changes in the diet and will resolve in a couple of days. If this is not the case and changes persist, it is appropriate to contact your doctor and seek medical attention.
Contact your doctor if you have stool color changes and have associated symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever or abdominal pain.
It is important to remember that every person is different and changes in bowel habit be it color, size, frequency, or consistency (hard or soft) may be normal for one person or a sign of a potential problem for another.
Diarrhea and Digestive Distress: Problem Foods to Avoid
Fried Foods: They're high in fat and can bring on diarrhea. Rich sauces, fatty cuts of meat, and buttery or creamy desserts can cause problems, too. Choose roasted or baked foods and light sauces that feature vegetables instead of butter or cream.
Citrus Fruits: Because they're high in fiber, they can give some folks an upset stomach. Go easy on oranges, grapefruit, and other citrus fruits if your belly doesn't feel right.
Artificial Sugar: Chew too much sugar-free gum made with sorbitol and you might get cramps and diarrhea. Food made with this artificial sweetener can cause the same problems. The FDA warns that you might get diarrhea if you eat 50 or more grams a day of sorbitol, though even much lower amounts reportedly cause trouble for some people.
Too Much Fiber: Foods high in this healthy carb, like whole grains and vegetables, are good for digestion. But if you start eating lots of them, your digestive system may have trouble adjusting. The result: gas and bloating. So step up the amount of fiber you eat gradually.
Beans: They're loaded with healthy protein and fiber, but they also have hard-to-digest sugars that cause gas and cramping. Your body doesn't have enzymes that can break them down. Bacteria in your gut do the work instead, giving off gas in the process.
Cabbage and Its Cousins: Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cabbage, have the same sugars that make beans gassy. Their high fiber can also make them hard to digest. It will be easier on your stomach if you cook them instead of eating raw. Try this tip to get rid of some of the troublesome sugars: Soak dried beans for at least 4 hours and pour off the water before cooking.
Fructose: Foods sweetened with this -- including sodas, candy, fruit juice, and pastries -- are hard for some people to digest. That can lead to diarrhea, bloating, and cramps.
Spicy Foods: Some people get indigestion or heartburn after eating them, especially when it's a large meal. Studies suggest the hot ingredient in chili peppers, called capsaicin, may be a culprit.
Dairy Products: If they trigger diarrhea, bloating, and gas, you may be "lactose intolerant." It means you don't have an enzyme that digests a sugar in milk and other forms of dairy. Avoid those foods or try an over-the-counter drop or pill that has the missing enzyme.
Peppermint: It can relax the muscle at the top of the stomach, which lets food move back into your esophagus. That can cause heartburn. Other culprits include chocolate or coffee. Experts say you can lower the pressure that pushes the food back up if you lose extra weight, eat smaller portions, and don't lie down after eating. Also, learn what foods give you problems, so you can avoid them.