My diarrhea is light brown and watery. Normal stool is typically brown — a result of old blood cells being broken down into a substance known as bilirubin, released by the liver through bile production into the intestines. Light or pale feces may be indicative of a number of diseases, some of which are potentially life-threaten ing.
Why is my poop dark brown?
- hemorrhoids,
- bleeding in the stomach,
- bleeding in the lower parts of the intestines or colon,
- certain vegetables with deep colors, green foods,
- food dyes (especially red, green, purple),
- iron pills,
- bismuth-containing medications (such as Pepto-Bismol ),
- biliary obstruction,
- tumor,
- cystic fibrosis,
What are the most common causes of watery diarrhea?
Watery diarrhea: Treatments, remedies, and prevention
- Causes. There are many potential causes of diarrhea. ...
- Home remedies. Many cases of watery diarrhea clear up within a few days of home treatment. ...
- Medical treatments. If home remedies do not ease diarrhea within a couple of days, a person may need medical treatment. ...
- Complications. ...
- Prevention. ...
- When to see a doctor. ...
- Outlook. ...
What is the reason for dark brown stool?
Very dark brown stools are often caused by dark foods, food pigments, or medications. However, almost black stool can be a sign of bleeding inside your gastrointestinal tract. Dark-colored foods such as blueberries, blackberries, plums, …etc.
Why is my stool light brown?
The main causes of light-colored stool include:
- Gallstones, or hardened deposits of bile that form in the gallbladder and block your common bile duct
- Pancreatic cancer
- Liver disease
Why is my diarrhea watery and dark?
If you see unexplained color changes in your liquid bowel movement, especially red, black, or tarry stool, seek emergency medical treatment. These symptoms could indicate bleeding in the digestive tract. Losing too much blood can be life threatening.
Is dark brown diarrhea normal?
All shades of brown and even green are considered normal. Only rarely does stool color indicate a potentially serious intestinal condition. Stool color is generally influenced by what you eat as well as by the amount of bile — a yellow-green fluid that digests fats — in your stool.
What does dark diarrhea mean?
Black or tarry stools with a foul smell are a sign of a problem in the upper digestive tract. It most often indicates that there is bleeding in the stomach, small intestine, or right side of the colon.
What is explosive diarrhea a symptom of?
Rotavirus, norovirus, and other kinds of viral gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as “stomach flu,” are among the viruses that can cause explosive diarrhea.
What does it mean when you have watery diarrhea?
Watery diarrhea means that you have liquid stools —usually, it occurs three or more times in one day. 2 Diarrhea sometimes comes with a sudden and urgent need to use the restroom or a complete lack of control over your bowel movements.
Why does my diarrhea get watery?
Some infections that cause watery diarrhea are caused by food that hasn’t been prepared properly. Be sure to wash your hands before preparing food, keep fresh produce away from raw meats, and cook meats thoroughly. In addition, store prepared foods at proper temperatures and out of reach of pests such as house flies.
What is the most common cause of diarrhea in children?
Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhea in the world, accounting for 40% of diarrhea-related hospitalizations in young children. 9 In areas without rotavirus vaccination, it is estimated that nearly all kids will become infected with rotavirus at some point during early childhood, often before their first birthday.
How long does it take for watery diarrhea to clear up?
Keep in mind that not everyone with watery diarrhea will need treatment. Many cases clear up on their own within a few days.
How long does diarrhea last?
Immediate medical attention should be sought if diarrhea lasts longer than two days for adults or 24 hours for young children and infants.
How to avoid watery diarrhea?
The overwhelming majority of cases of watery diarrhea can be avoided by taking certain precautions, specifically clean water and sanitation, handwashing and proper food care, and getting vaccinated. 32
Why does my stomach get watery?
It can be caused by a wide variety of germs including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, some of which can easily be treated with medications .
Why is my diarrhea black and watery?
Black watery diarrhea due to bleeding inside your gut is a life-threatening condition, seek medical help if you have any of the below signs or symptoms.
What does it mean when you have a black watery diarrhea?
Presence of red or clotted blood with the black watery diarrhea. Vomiting of blood. Severe epigastric pain (pain in the upper central part of your abdomen. Shortness of blood, sweating, rapid heartbeats. Dizziness, confusion, fainting attacks, or loss of consciousness.
What does it mean when your stool is black?
Black stool is a potentially serious condition that may reflect bleeding inside your gut tract. The amount of black diarrhea may reflect the “severity” of bleeding. If you have sudden massive black watery diarrhea, consult your health care provider immediately.
What is the best medication for watery diarrhea?
Bismuth subsalicylates (Pepto Bismol) treatment for diarrhea: Pepto Bismol is commonly used for diarrhea, so it may turn your existing watery diarrhea into black.
Why does my diarrhea turn black?
Common causes of black watery diarrhea include: Peptic ulcer bleeding. Taking Pepto Bismol for diarrhea. Bleeding esophageal or gastric varices. Bleeding from tumors or malignant ulcers inside your gut. Angiodysplasia: bleeding from malformed blood vessels. Black foods such as blueberries, and black licorice.
Why does my stool turn black after a tonsillectomy?
Having black stool or black diarrhea after one or two days after epistaxis attack ( ref ), tooth bleeding, or bleeding after tonsillectomy operation may be a result of a swallowed blood. Fact-checked.
What causes black diarrhea?
This is more common with malignant forms such as cancer stomach or cancer esophagus. The mass usually ulcerates and causes bleeding which leads to black diarrhea in severe cases of massive bleeding.
What is watery diarrhea?
Watery diarrhea: Treatments, remedies, and prevention. Diarrhea is the medical term for a watery or loose stool that occurs threee or more times a day. Other symptoms may include stomach cramps and a loss of appetite. This article outlines the causes of watery diarrhea and the treatment options available.
How to get rid of diarrhea?
Eating smaller meals: The body can have difficulty digesting large meals. Try consuming several smaller meals throughout the day. Avoiding problem foods and drinks : Certain foods can make diarrhea worse. Try avoiding the following foods until the symptoms have resolved:
What is the term for a loose, watery stool that occurs as a side effect of a particular medication?
Drug-induced diarrhea is the medical term for a loose, watery stool that occurs as a side effect of a particular medication.
How long does it take for watery diarrhea to clear up?
Many cases of watery diarrhea clear up within a few days of home treatment. The main aims of home treatment are to reduce discomfort and prevent dehydration.
What does it mean when your stool is watery?
Diarrhea is the medical term for a watery or loose stool that occurs threee or more times a day. Other symptoms may include stomach cramps and a loss of appetite. This article outlines the causes of watery diarrhea and the treatment options available. Severe or persistent diarrhea can cause complications, such as dehydration.
What are the complications of diarrhea?
Severe or persistent diarrhea can cause complications, such as dehydration.
How to prevent dehydration?
Keeping hydrated: To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of water and other clear fluids. Sports drinks and electrolyte drinks are good options for replacing lost electrolytes. Alternatively, people can try Pedialyte and other OTC oral rehydration solutions.
Why is my diarrhea green?
Diarrhea can appear green due to green foods you ate or stool moving too quickly through the colon.
Why is my stool brown?
Stool is typically brown because of compounds such as bile and bilirubin that are present in the stool. However, if you have liquid bowel movements, you may find the liquid is another color entirely. Some examples include:
Why is it important to drink more water when you have diarrhea?
Because liquid stool can result in excess water losses from the body, it’s important drink more water when you have diarrhea to prevent severe side effects. If your liquid bowel movements are a side effect of a chronic condition, a doctor can usually help you treat them.
What are some examples of a bowel disease?
Examples include: acute illness, such as from exposure to bacteria, viruses, or even parasites that irritate the digestive tract. constipation, as liquid stool can escape around harder pieces of stool in the rectum that are difficult to pass. digestive tract disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or celiac disease.
How long does it take for bowel movements to go away?
However, if you have bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts longer than 48 hours, see a doctor to ensure your symptoms don’t get worse.
Why is my poop yellow?
Yellow liquid poop could indicate an underlying disorder in the liver or gallbladder. Bright yellow liquid stool can also be a sign of giardiasis, an infection caused by an intestinal parasite that you can get from drinking contaminated water.
How long does diarrhea last?
Diarrhea that lasts two weeks or less is referred to as acute diarrhea, and diarrhea that lasts longer than four weeks is considered chronic. Loose bowel movements can have a lot of unpleasant symptoms including: cramping and abdominal pain. fatigue. fever.
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Watery diarrhea has many potential causes, including viral infections and certain foods. Home remedies and medications can help treat symptoms. Learn more here.
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Top 4 Causes of Dark Brown Stool. Dark brown stool can be caused by dehydration, constipation, IBS, or simply from eating dark-colored foods or iron-rich foods or supplements. Written by. Chandra Manuelpillai, MD. Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medic ine at Boston University School of Medic ine. Last updated October 6, 2021.
Why does my poop turn brown?
The slow bleed may eventually cause anemia, which causes fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Once the blood goes through the digestive system , it turns the stool a darker brown and eventually looks black or tarry.
What causes dark brown stools?
Dark brown stool. Many foods or medications may naturally cause your stool to change colors, including dark brown or black. Common foods known to do this include licorice, blueberries, beets, anything with food coloring , and food made with blood (i.e., blood sausage).
Why does my stool have a color?
It may also be affected by your nervous system. Sometimes flare-ups are due to stress, diet, or other changes. IBS can have different symptoms depending on the person, but most experience abdominal cramps or discomfort. IBS may affect the color and consistency of your stool.
What does it mean when your stool is dark?
Symptoms. If your stool is a darker color than normal, it may indicate internal bleeding. You can have both upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeds. Upper GI bleeds tend to be from gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) or ulcers but there are other causes as well.
What causes a stool to turn black?
Many foods or medications may naturally cause your stool to change colors, including looking dark brown or black. Common foods known to do this include licorice, blueberries, beets, red-colored gelatin or food made with blood (ie blood sausage).
Why is my stool dark?
But stool that simply seems darker than normal may be the result of dehydration, constipation, or eating dark-colored foods or iron-rich foods or supplements.
Why do I get dizzy when I poop?
Dizziness. If your stool is a darker color than normal, it may indicate internal bleeding. You can have both upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeds. Upper GI bleeds tend to be from gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) or ulcers but there are other causes as well.
What is watery diarrhea?
Watery diarrhea: In episodic diarrhea, the key thing, assuming there is no blood in the diarrhea, is the possibility of dehydration. If you have diarrhea such as this, ... Read More
Does dairy cause diarrhea?
Sounds normal to me: Exposure to dairy products caused your watery diarrheal stools with enzymes and gastric acid still not neutralized and so resulted in some perianal di ... Read More
Is watery diarrhea episodic?
Watery diarrhea: In episodic diarrhea, the key thing, assuming there is no blood in the diarrhea, is the possibility of dehydration. If you have diarrhea such as this,... Read More
What to do when you have diarrhea?
When you have diarrhea, drink plenty of water. Also get fluids that will boost your sodium and electrolyte levels. Examples include:
How long does it take for diarrhea to go away?
You know it’s diarrhea when you pass loose, watery stool two or more times a day. Even without medicine, diarrhea usually goes away on its own within 48 hours.
How long does diarrhea last without medicine?
Even without medicine, diarrhea usually goes away on its own within 48 hours. The most important things you can do in the meantime are:
Watery Diarrhea Symptoms
Complications
- Watery diarrhea is often harmless and fleeting. In some cases, though, it can lead to more serious conditions. The two primary concerns related to watery diarrhea are dehydration and malabsorption.
Causes
- There are quite a few germs that can cause watery diarrhea. Many of them are spread through contaminated food, water, or objects.8The vast majority of cases are caused by viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections. However, some health conditions can also prompt diarrhea to occur.
Diagnosis
- Few people need a healthcare provider to diagnose them with watery diarrhea. The liquid stools are often quite enough for a person to know they have this condition. However, if the condition doesn’t get better after a couple of days—or you or your child are exhibiting signs of dehydration—your healthcare provider may want to run some tests. This will help to figure out th…
Treatment
- Watery diarrhea is most often treated by either addressing the root cause of the illness or by using medication to lessen the severity of diarrhea.32Imodium (loperamide) is one example that is available over the counter. If the illness is caused by bacteria, antibiotics are sometimes used to treat the infection. This is especially true if diarrhea doesn’t go away on its own. If the symptom…
Prevention
- The vast majority of watery diarrhea cases can be avoided by taking precautions. These include handwashing and proper food care, clean water and sanitation, and getting vaccinated.33
Summary
- If you or your child have watery diarrhea, there are a number of possible reasons for why. Viral infections, exposure to bacteria, tiny parasites, or even an underlying health condition, like Crohn's disease, could be to blame. Dehydration and malabsorption are main concerns with watery diarrhea. Be sure to replace the lost fluids, even if you don't need medical attention. If you have o…