White feces after surgery. What does light-colored stool mean in an adult: causes of pathology

Stool color- an indicator that can depend on many factors. Among these are the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, the composition of microflora, nutrition and human lifestyle. The appearance of an incomprehensible shade of stool usually occurs for physiological reasons, but may also indicate the development of gastrointestinal pathology.

What does the color of stool mean?
Coloring of stool	Symptoms	Reasons	Actions
Very light, milky, light green, clayey, straw	Constipation, loose stools	Consumption of fatty foods, liver disease, gall bladder, intestinal dysfunction, malabsorption, hepatitis, rotavirus	Change of diet, cleansing of the liver and gastrointestinal tract
Black, sometimes purple with blue streaks	Abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness	Consumption of dark-colored foods (prunes, blueberries), medications (activated carbon), vitamins, and large amounts of alcohol. Gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, liver cirrhosis	Quit alcohol, reduce iron intake, consult a specialist
Burgundy, brick, raspberry	Diarrhea, weakness

Dark green, gray-green or olive color indicates colitis, irritable bowel syndrome. Feces turn yellow or yellow-brown if there is a malabsorption of fats in the body, or pancreatic cancer. A sandy tint is a common occurrence for vegetarians. If the feces are red, this most often indicates the presence of hemorrhoids and anal fissures. The color of stool in colorectal cancer varies from bright red to beet red. In this case, the patient experiences constipation and severe pain during bowel movements. Scarlet, heterogeneous bowel movements may indicate the presence of diverticulitis, intestinal infection, or inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. If you experience such symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor and undergo a full medical examination. Orange coloring of feces is an indicator of biliary tract diseases.

Causes of changes in the color of feces

Despite the fact that the normal color of stool in children and adults is considered brown, temporary changes in shade should not be a concern if there are no symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. The reasons for changes in the color of stool in men, women and children can be varied, from harmless to dangerous to health:

• insufficient secretory activity of the pancreas;
• cholelithiasis, inflammation of the bile ducts;
• oncology, HIV, diabetes;
• dysbacteriosis;
• pancreatitis, chronic cholecystitis, gastritis;
• cholera, rotavirus infection;
• appendicitis;
• allergies, poisoning with toxic substances;
• biliary dyskinesia;
• jaundice.

The color is also affected by the consumption of alcohol, medications and products containing dyes. Stress can also change the color of stool in a healthy adult at any age.

Physiological causes: food, medications

The use of vitamins or pills can change the color of feces to an unusual and uneven color. The most common drug that affects this indicator is activated carbon. Medicines that can color stool include iron preparations (Sorbifer, Creon).

Darkening of feces is also possible under the influence of bismuth derivatives. Blackening of stool also occurs after eating foods such as blueberries, cherries, carrot juice, coffee drinks, and in rare cases, tomatoes or tomato paste.

It is worth considering that staining of the stool or the presence of multi-colored inclusions in its composition should not be accompanied by pain, mucus, diarrhea, constipation, or fever.

If you have such symptoms, you should urgently consult a doctor who will prescribe tests and make a diagnosis.

Symptoms of diseases based on the color of stool

The reason for the discharge of feces, whose color resembles potassium permanganate, is most often the streaks of blood in their composition. This indicates hemorrhoids, anal sphincter fissures. Such injuries appear after difficult childbirth, sexual intercourse, or operations to remove hemorrhoids.

Black (hypercholic) stool may indicate bleeding. This is a sign of a stomach or duodenal ulcer. The most dangerous diagnosis in this case is colon cancer. With it, the patient experiences:

• blood in the stool;
• change in shape - the stool is as thin as a thread;
• feeling of unemptied bowels.

Hypocholic, i.e. pale feces appear after eating large amounts of rice and potatoes. The cause may also be tumors of the bile ducts. With pancreatitis, the shade of stool also becomes pale. Absolutely white stool (acholic) occurs when the bile ducts are blocked.

When the stool turns ocher, then the cause lies in pancreatic insufficiency. If the stool turns green, earthy, mustard, or clay in color, this indicates hepatitis.

If a change in the color of stool is accompanied by pain, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible; based on the diagnostic results, the doctor will prescribe the optimal treatment. Taking medications such as Almagel, Bifidumbacterin, Omez, Pancreatin, Allohol, Nemozol and Papaverine, Enterofuril will help eliminate the symptoms.

Change in stool color during pregnancy

Deviations in the properties of feces from the norm in pregnant women, especially in the early stages, are not uncommon. Usually the cause is not a disease, but physiological factors. During pregnancy, women take a lot of iron-containing medications and multivitamins (for example, Elevit), so the usual color of stool may change to black or green. Sometimes this phenomenon is facilitated by the consumption of blueberries, currants, cranberries, buckwheat, and blood sausage. If a woman has not eaten such foods or taken vitamins, she should immediately undergo a stool test to determine hidden blood in it and undergo other diagnostic procedures as prescribed by the doctor.

The reason for the greenish tint of stool lies either in the consumption of large quantities of leafy vegetables, or in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, for example, rotavirus, dysbacteriosis. In the case of pathology, additional symptoms such as persistent diarrhea appear. For treatment, the doctor prescribes medications such as Enterosgel, Mezim, Enterol, Smecta, Phosphalugel.

Normal stool in a child

In newborns, in the first two days of life, feces are black, dark green or green in color. With breastfeeding (breastfeeding), the stool has a golden, yellow hue, sometimes pearlescent. By 4–5 months this phenomenon disappears. If a baby is formula-fed, his stool becomes thicker, the smell is stronger, and the color becomes lighter.

If a nursing mother notices that the baby's feces have become watery and yellow (red or lemon), then there is no need to worry, because... this is affected by changes in the fat content of breast milk. When feeding with poorly diluted cow's milk, the feces begin to turn silver and air bubbles are observed. If a child is malnourished, the stool becomes dark and earthy. This is also observed in children under one year of age when complementary foods consisting of green fruits and vegetables are introduced. In this case, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician and adjust the child’s diet. For dysbacteriosis or other gastrointestinal problems, the doctor prescribes the drug Enterofuril or Essential Forte.

Diet and prevention of possible pathologies

If the stool begins to darken or lighten, a person must figure out what influenced this. To accurately determine the reasons, research and the help of qualified specialists will be required.

To prevent the development of pathologies, it is important to follow the principles of proper nutrition.

To do this, you need to avoid foods that are too fatty and spicy. Another contraindication is alcohol and fast food abuse. Vegetables and fruits must be washed well, and the milk must be boiled. In addition, it is important to take general tests every six months and conduct an ultrasound of the abdominal organs and genitourinary system. The functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is improved by constant physical activity, including performing various gymnastic exercises, running, and Nordic walking.

Many people are embarrassed to talk about such a delicate topic as stool color, even at a doctor’s appointment. But false modesty often leads to serious health problems. For example, yellow feces in adults often indicate problems with the body. If this symptom persists for a long time, it is recommended to consult a doctor and undergo a full medical examination.

Healthy human feces

The color of stool directly depends on the state of the gastrointestinal tract. Often people do not pay attention to the metamorphosis of feces and have no idea what kind of stool they have. But a change in its color or consistency can tell a lot. Therefore, it is very important to recognize the pathology in time and take measures to eliminate it.

Interesting. The color of the stool depends on stercobilin (bile pigment), which is the end product of the breakdown of the non-protein part of hemoglobin. Therefore, feces of various shades of brown are considered healthy.

True, the color of feces may change slightly. Depending on the diet, medications taken and lifestyle, there are:

1. Dark brown chair. This color is considered to be the norm for an adult. He talks about proper nutrition and good functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Brown stools with a yellowish tint appear with a lactic acid diet.
3. Light brown feces It is characteristic of a vegetarian diet and is not considered a pathology.
4. is formed when eating a large amount of meat products.

These categories of stool are characteristic of a healthy person. If the stool turns yellow and this is not a one-time occurrence, you should consult a doctor. The cause of such changes may be a pathological condition of the body, which can only be identified after a series of diagnostic measures.

Yellow feces as a symptom of the disease

There is nothing wrong with your stool changing color from time to time. But if this happens unexpectedly and is not explained by food addictions, you should be wary. Since several organs are involved in the process of staining feces - the pancreas, liver and gallbladder, a visible change in the shade of feces most likely indicates a malfunction in one of them.

Below we will look at diseases that are characterized by the appearance of yellow stool, find out what this means and how dangerous the situation is.

Pathologies of the pancreas

It has been proven that deterioration of the pancreas leads to changes in stool color. Cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, blocked ducts, or cancer can cause yellow stool. This is explained by a decrease in the production of digestive enzymes necessary for the absorption of food, in particular fats.

The pancreas is involved in the regulation of fat metabolism

Attention. It is unprocessed fats that give stool a light yellow color and a pasty consistency. The composition of feces also changes.

In addition, digestive enzymes are involved in the overall process of food processing. Therefore, the appearance of yellow stool indicates a deterioration in digestion and absorption of nutrients in general.

Pathologies of the liver and gallbladder

The amount of stercobilinogen in feces decreases during inflammatory processes in the bile ducts, which entails a change in the color of the stool. If the bile ducts are completely blocked by a stone or tumor, the coloring pigment may completely disappear. In this case, the chair will acquire a light sandy or clayey tint.

Other, more obvious symptoms indicate problems with bile secretion:

• yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes;
• hepatic colic;
• itching of the skin.

For reference. are formed due to irregular eating or frequent dieting. For normal bile secretion, the organ must contract systematically, and this occurs only during meals.

In addition, hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver can cause yellow stool in adults. With these diseases, the production of bile acids and salts, which are involved in the digestive process, decreases. A decrease in the amount of bile causes not only a change in the color of the stool, but also severe pain in the right hypochondrium. In this case, the urine acquires a rich dark color, reminiscent of tea or beer.

The liver plays an essential role in the digestion process

If symptoms of liver or gallbladder damage appear, it is advisable to visit a doctor as soon as possible. This will help avoid further development of the disease and complications.

Crohn's disease

Deep yellow stool can cause Crohn's disease. The pathology is characterized by dysfunction of the entire digestive system. As a result, food is not processed properly, and fats leave the gastrointestinal tract almost unchanged.

Other causes of yellow stool in adults

Yellow stools can be caused not only by the pathologies described above, but also by the most harmless reasons. For example, frequent consumption of milk and products made from it will sooner or later lead to a change in the color of feces.

Fermentation processes in the intestines will also affect the color of stool. In this case, yellow feces in adults are accompanied by the following digestive problems:

• nausea and vomiting;
• unpleasant smell of stool;

Attention. Often, yellow stool appears when taking medications that cause dysbacteriosis. Especially often, the color of stool changes due to the use of antibacterial drugs in excessive doses or without a doctor’s prescription.

A sudden change in food intake or an unbalanced diet also leads to the formation of light yellow stool. Breaking the table is a kind of stressful situation for the body, which does not slow down to affect the functioning of the entire digestive tract.

A dairy diet can cause yellow stool

Ordinary emotional stress or prolonged depression can also cause a change in stool color, often leading to a deterioration in food processing. In addition, the cause of such metamorphoses is often banal poisoning. In this case, yellowing of the stool is accompanied by diarrhea and fever.

As you can see, a change in stool color is not always the result of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, you should not diagnose yourself and self-medicate. At best, this will not give any results, and at worst, it will cause an exacerbation of existing pathologies.

What to do if the stool turns yellow?

If the stool suddenly changes its usual color and turns yellow, you should not be scared or panic. Perhaps the reason was the diet of the previous days. An abundance of dairy or fatty foods makes stool yellow and bubbly in adults. By changing your diet, you can quickly bring the color of your feces back to normal.

The same should be done if the stool turns yellow while taking medication. After stopping medications that negatively affect digestion and liver function, the stool will quickly become normal in color.

In recommended doses, these drugs most often do not have any noticeable effect on the color of stool. Excessive dosage or prolonged use adversely affects the liver and leads to yellow stools.

If, after taking measures, feces do not return to normal for more than two days and the change in color is accompanied by additional symptoms, you should visit a doctor. Only a doctor, after carrying out diagnostic measures, can say why an adult’s stool has become light yellow.

A person's stool can say a lot about his health. Color, consistency and other parameters reflect the level of certain substances in the body, as well as possible negative processes that occur in it.

Feces have their own generally accepted characteristics, which indicate that everything is in order with health. This may not be the most pleasant topic, but everyone should know the parameters of a chair.

1. Color. In healthy people whose menu includes a variety of foods, stool has a color ranging from yellowish to dark brown. Of course, this parameter varies depending on the type of food consumed at one time or another, but in general there should not be any unusual color.

   

2. Consistency. Normally, the stool is formed, moderately dense, it should come out easily during defecation and resemble a sausage in shape. If the stool looks like a cluster of small balls or, on the contrary, is too liquid, this is already a deviation from the norm.

   

   

3. . With well-established digestion and moderate nutrition, bowel movements should occur 1-2 times a day. This is the optimal number of times at which stool does not stagnate in the intestines. Emptying is allowed once every 48 hours, but not less often. The number of bowel movements may change due to stressful situations or painful conditions, but after that everything should return to normal.

   

4. Amount of feces. If the diet is balanced and a person does not overeat, then the daily norm of feces is from 120 to 500 g, depending on age and the type of food consumed. If the menu contains more plant foods, the amount of feces increases, if meat and dairy, on the contrary, decreases.

   

5. . Usually unpleasant, but not too harsh. It depends on the type of food consumed, the nature of digestion, the presence of beneficial bacteria in the intestines and the necessary enzymes. So, if meat products predominate, the stool has a sharper odor, dairy foods give a characteristic sour smell. If food is not completely digested, it begins to rot and ferment. The number of bacteria feeding on it increases and they produce corresponding substances that have an unpleasant odor, such as hydrogen sulfide.

   

6. Stool acidity. An indicator that is established in laboratory conditions, but is also extremely important. Normal pH is 6.7-7.5 and depends on the intestinal microflora.

   

Attention! Some people have individual fecal characteristics associated with congenital anomalies, pathologies, or lifestyle (for example, vegetarians). If in general nothing worries you, then there is no need to fear for your health.

Deviations from the norms and their causes

Comparative characteristics of the color of feces and the reasons that cause it.

Color	Reasons
	· taking certain medications (for example, activated carbon, medications containing iron); alcohol abuse; · presence of coloring products in food (blueberries, blackberries, black grapes, prunes); · stomach ulcer or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
	· insufficient absorption of nutrients entering it by the intestines; · low amount of fiber in the diet and predominance of fats; · liver diseases.
	· consumption of coloring products (for example, beets); · use of medications containing vitamin A or the antibiotic "Rifampicin"; · presence of ulcers, tumors, polyps in the gastrointestinal tract;	· eating a lot of green foods; · taking herbal preparations and dietary supplements; · dysbacteriosis; · dysentery; · acute colitis; · irritable bowel syndrome; · reduction of bile salts in bile.
	· consumption of products with yellow dye; · violation of fat absorption; · Gilbert's syndrome, as a result of which bilirubin accumulates in the blood due to a malfunction of the liver; · disruption of the pancreas.
	· consumption of products with orange dye; · blockage of the bile ducts; · use of certain medications, excess multivitamins.
	· lack of bile in the intestines; · ulcerative colitis; putrefactive dyspepsia; · taking medications with calcium and antacids; · X-ray examination using a dye (barium sulfate).
	· intestinal bleeding; · haemorrhoids; · anal fissures; · intestinal cancer.

Diagnosis of the condition with changed stool color

If feces continue to be colored in an unnatural color for several days, which is not associated with the use of drugs or food, you should consult a specialist to find out the nature of this phenomenon.

If blood is found in the stool, this is an indication to immediately consult a doctor, because this may be a sign of the onset of internal bleeding.

In a normal situation, the doctor collects anamnesis by talking with the patient, and then prescribes a series of diagnostic tests according to indications.

What diseases cause staining of stool?

If the cause of abnormal color of feces does not depend on diet and medications, then most likely the problem is in the following organs:

• liver;
• spleen;
• pancreas;
• gallbladder;
• stomach;
• intestines.

The most common diseases that change the color of stool.

1. Hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver. The accumulation of toxic substances in the liver tissue leads to its inflammation and inability to perform its functions: produce proteins and enzymes, regulate cholesterol levels.
2. Diverticulitis is an inflammation of the intestinal tissue, with the formation of small growths in which food remains and bacteria multiply.

   

3. Pancreatitis– disruption of the pancreas, as a result of which the timely outflow of enzymes into the intestines does not occur.

   

4. Stomach ulcer– the formation of foci of inflammation on the gastric mucosa, which then transform into wounds.
5. Ischemic colitis is an inflammation of the tissues of the large intestine due to impaired circulation in it (atherosclerosis, embolism).

   

6. Splenite– inflammation of the spleen tissue due to infection, blood disease, jaundice or cyst.

   

7. Dysfunctional biliary tract disorder. This includes such concepts as: gallbladder dyskinesia, sphincter of Oddi dystonia, acute or chronic cholecystitis.

   

8. Bulbit– swelling of the duodenal bulb, which results in erosion and bleeding.

   

   Duodenum. The initial part of the duodenum is expanded - this is the ampulla or bulb

   

For reference! Stool coloring can occur constantly or occasionally during exacerbation of diseases. In some cases, changes in stool color occur throughout a person's life if the diagnosis cannot be treated.

Treatment

In order to return stool to normal consistency and color, it is necessary to identify the cause of the changes and begin treatment.

First of all, the diet is normalized and bad habits are eliminated.

If the cause of atypical green stool is infection, poisoning, or dysentery, absorbent drugs, agents that restore water-salt balance, probiotics and prebiotics are prescribed to help normalize the microflora of the stomach and intestines.

According to indications for other diseases, the following can be used:

• painkillers;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antibiotics;
• enzymatic preparations;
• antispasmodics;
• venotonics;
• laxatives or, conversely, antidiarrheals;
• antacid drugs;
• anthelmintic drugs;
• anticoagulants;
• homeopathic remedies.

Sea buckthorn suppositories and Anestezol can be used for intestinal diseases

In some cases, surgical intervention is required, for example, to remove polyps, various tumors, and stop bleeding in internal organs.

With adequate treatment, the result comes quite quickly, the patient no longer suffers from diarrhea, constipation, pain and abnormal color of stool.

Feces are not just processed foods, but, like other body secretions, they are an indicator of human health. Therefore, carefully monitoring the color of your stool will help prevent many diseases.

Video - What does the color of the stool mean?

Why is white stool in an adult? The reasons can only be identified by a doctor after diagnostic procedures. The appearance of this shade may be associated with diseases of the abdominal organs or the consumption of certain foods.

One thing is certain, a visit to the doctor is mandatory, since white feces can be caused by serious diseases that require immediate treatment.

Causes of white stool

Before starting treatment, it is important to find out why a person’s stool became light-colored and what disease caused this symptom. Normal, brown feces in humans are associated with the liver's production of bilirubin, which is a component of bile.

And if pathological processes have begun in the gallbladder or liver, people experience white poop. This is not the norm. Therefore, when the stool has changed color, you need to visit a doctor. Also, the causes of colorless stool can be:

• taking antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs;
• if you constantly eat only fatty foods, unlimited amounts of butter or sour cream;
• in adults, light-colored feces occur if the required amount of bile does not enter;
• a shade of white is associated with the presence of gastritis in a person;
• with alcohol abuse;
• after poisoning with chemicals;
• if the stool becomes light-colored, there is a high probability of hepatitis;
• The color of stool changes with cholecystitis. In this case, the patient feels pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea;
• white stool may indicate stones or sand in the gall bladder;
• with pancreatitis;
• if Crohn's disease is diagnosed;
• if there are oncological formations. Often, the development of malignant tumors can occur for a long time without symptoms. And only stagnation in the organs, due to which the fecal matter becomes light yellow, indicates serious diseases.
• affects the color of the stool;
• bending of the gallbladder;
• blockage of the biliary tract.

Symptoms

Having determined what may cause light-colored stools, it is important to know the accompanying symptoms that indicate certain signs of the disease.

White, beige, or discolored stool has the following common symptoms:

The first sign of a malfunction in the gastrointestinal tract is a symptom when the feces lighten and become white-yellow. There is no pain or discomfort. This pathology does not pose a health hazard. Most often this is due to the consumption of poor quality food or the abuse of fatty foods. It is enough to switch to dietary nutrition, and the color of feces will normalize.

If there are no changes after the diet, it is recommended to visit a doctor. Perhaps the cause of this phenomenon was the use of a certain group of medications, especially contraceptives and antibiotics.

White mucus in stool

If a person has light beige or sand-colored feces interspersed with mucus, they most often speak of dietary errors. Very often, the appearance of mucus is associated with the consumption of large amounts of fermented milk products, bananas, melon or watermelon. If there is a lot of mucus, the patient is diagnosed with an increase in pathogenic microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract.

Yellow-pale feces with mucous patches may also indicate:

• for food poisoning;
• for the presence of polyps in the intestines;
• for irritable bowel syndrome;
• if a person is allergic to certain types of food;
• for the presence of malignant formations in the gastrointestinal tract;
• The appearance of mucus may indicate diverticulitis or mucoviscytosis.

Diarrhea

Light brown or yellow diarrhea may appear if a person has consumed large amounts of milk and fermented milk products.

It is enough to change your diet and take medications prescribed by your doctor so that the stool is restored and acquires a normal, brown tint.

Acholic feces in pregnant women

Women often experience acholic stool during this period. Pregnant women who encounter this phenomenon panic and do not know what to do.

First of all, you need to see a doctor. While carrying a child, all organs begin to work with double the load. Therefore, pregnant women may often experience disruptions in the digestive system.

Also, the appearance of acholic feces can be caused by dysbiosis or abuse of multivitamin preparations.

Diagnosis of white stools

The doctor decides how to treat the patient only after conducting diagnostic procedures. It is important to rule out serious pathological diseases of the digestive system or select a course of medications that will restore their functioning.

If the problem of light or white stool is due to the presence of stones in the gallbladder, the gallbladder is removed. This is especially true for elderly patients. To make a correct diagnosis, the doctor prescribes the following procedures:

• to exclude chronic diseases and infections, the patient undergoes a general stool test;
• perform an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
• the patient undergoes a biochemistry test.

Treatment

If a person’s stool has lightened or become discolored for the first time, and the patient does not experience pain or discomfort, we can talk about eating fatty foods. Quite often, after strong alcoholic drinks and beer, a pale tint of feces can also be observed. As soon as the body self-cleanses from , uncolored feces will acquire its normal shade.

If diarrhea is not associated with poisoning, the patient is prescribed such drugs, like Stopdiar or Smectu. The patient should also follow the following recommendations:

• follow a diet during treatment;
• maintain bed rest;
• drink plenty of liquid or mineral water;
• exclude fatty, fried or spicy foods.

If the appearance of light brown or whitish stool is associated with infection and the presence of pathogenic microflora, a course of antibacterial drugs is prescribed:

• Claforan;
• Cefotaxime;
• Doxycycline;
• Monomycin;
• Gentamicin.

When diagnosing cholecystitis No-Shpa or Spazmolgon are prescribed for spasms. Taking choleretic drugs is also important:

• Holosas;
• Chophytol;
• Allohol;
• Holenzim.
• fatty, salty, spicy foods;
• preservatives and marinades;
• mushrooms;
• chocolate.

Video - 3 chair colors

If the stool has become light-colored, it is important to visit a doctor first. He will prescribe effective drug therapy. It is also recommended to introduce fractional meals. The last meal should be 3 hours before bedtime. It is advisable to grind and steam the products.

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In adults, yellow feces are often caused by poor diet. However, in some cases, a symptom indicates the course of a disease in the body. In this case, it is necessary to establish the root cause of the violation as early as possible. This can be done through comprehensive diagnostics. It is important to pay attention to general well-being, additional symptoms and localization of signs. Yellow feces in an adult are a clear deviation from the norm. Feces reflect the state of the digestive system, so it is strictly forbidden to ignore such a sign. Otherwise, there is a risk of serious complications.

The color of stool depends on the functioning of the digestive system

In this article you will learn:

Change in stool as a sign of normality

An adult's feces can have different shades. Sometimes the condition does not require treatment and is a normal symptom.

Yellow stool is normal if the symptom occurs after a change in diet. The stool takes on a normal color within a few days. There are no additional symptoms. The symptom also appears when taking certain medications.

Yellow stool can be observed in people who are constantly under stress

Yellow stools may indicate nervous tension. Feces change color after a strong emotional outburst, which can be associated with both positive and negative events. An adult's feces will recover within a few days.

Yellowing of stool often occurs in patients who lead an unhealthy lifestyle. The condition is not accompanied by other negative symptoms.

An adult's stool may turn yellow when consuming the following foods:

• citrus;
• melon;
• apples;

If you eat a lot of carrots, the color of your stool may change.

• dairy products;
• peas;
• baking for individuals with gluten intolerance.

The listed products provoke changes in stool only if they were consumed in excessive quantities. Among the medications, the following medications can cause yellowing of stool:

• Magnesium sulfite;
• Senade;
• contraceptive medications;
• some anti-inflammatory drugs.

Often the appearance of yellow feces can be explained by the excessively rapid movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract. The condition is usually not dangerous.

Stool turns yellow when taking medications, for example, Senade

Possibly present diseases

The patient should closely monitor his well-being. Additional symptoms may indicate the course of the disease and dysfunction of certain organs. With yellow stool, it is difficult to establish the true cause of the deviation. A sign in an adult may indicate:

• viral and bacterial infections;
• food intoxication;
• infection with staphylococcus;
• helminthiasis;
• fungal disease;
• gastritis;
• inflammatory process in the pancreas;
• colitis;
• abnormalities in the functioning of the thyroid gland;
• intestinal disorders;
• hormonal disorders.

All of these deviations may have a similar clinical picture. It is for this reason that the patient needs a comprehensive diagnosis.

If you notice yellow stool, check your liver

Diseases of the pancreas are one of the most common root causes of yellow stools. In this case, there is a lack of enzymes in the adult’s body, which is required for the complete digestion of food products. The walls of the small intestine are injured. An inflammatory process is forming. Patients often experience intense diarrhea.

When a malignant disease forms in the pancreas, a pathological narrowing of the bile duct occurs. Bile ceases to participate in the process of digesting food. For this reason, yellowish colored stool will appear. Food passing through the intestines injures its walls.

With a lack of bile, the following vitamins are no longer absorbed:

If you have diarrhea, you may have problems with your pancreas.

The skin turns pale and becomes dry. Skin rashes may occur. At night, visual acuity is greatly reduced. The body is exhausted and inflammation of the organs of vision occurs.

With a lack of essential vitamins and microelements, hair also actively falls out. The nail plate becomes brittle. The patient's appearance deteriorates.

Another common root cause of yellow stool color change is diseases of the small intestine. In this case, the body cannot digest food normally. Vitamins and microelements stop being absorbed. In adults, fecal matter moves faster through the gastrointestinal tract. The number of pathogenic microorganisms is increasing. The patient begins to complain of bloating, excessive gas formation and abdominal pain.

Sometimes the cause may be in the small intestine

Diagnostic methods

Yellow stool in an adult requires a comprehensive diagnosis. The patient should urgently visit a doctor, especially if there are a huge number of additional symptoms and the deviation is observed for a long period of time.

If a pathological symptom is present, the possible causes of its occurrence should be analyzed. Pay attention to additional symptoms. In addition, you need to exclude from your diet foods that can cause yellowing of stool. Also, if possible, stop taking medications.

If the patient has not found the cause of the deviation, then he needs to go to the hospital. In a medical institution, an adult will be given a referral to:

• bacteriological examination of stool;
• generalized and biochemical blood test.

Based on the examination results, the doctor will prescribe treatment.

If you want to learn about the causes of yellowing of stool, watch this video:

Treatment measures

Therapeutic therapy may be as follows:

• taking sorbents to remove toxic substances from the body;
• taking medications to restore water-salt balance and prevent signs of dehydration;
• taking probiotics to replenish the natural microflora in the body;
• the use of antimicrobial medications to normalize stool;
• the use of enzyme medications to restore the deficiency of substances.

There is no single treatment course. Therapy is directly dependent on the provoking factor. Pathologies can only be eliminated comprehensively.