What are Passing Greyish Stools?
- Bile duct obstruction
- Gallbladder obstructions
- Gallstones
- Pancreatic hypoplasia
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)
Common Causes
There are many types of liver disease, including:
- infectious diseases, such as hepatitis A, B, and C
- liver damage from alcohol consumption
- fatty liver disease, most common in those with obesity or who eat a high-fat diet
- autoimmune diseases, which happen when the body attacks the cells of the liver
- failure of other organs
- liver cancer
- liver cysts
Related Conditions
- Type 1: Separate, hard lumps
- Type 2: Sausage-shaped but lumpy
- Type 3: Like a sausage but with cracks on the surface
- Type 4: Smooth and soft sausage-shaped or snake-like
- Type 5: Soft blobs with clear-cut edges
- Type 6: Mushy consistency with ragged edges
- Type 7: Entirely liquid or watery (no solid pieces)
What causes Gray stools?
Gray or pale stools represent a cascade of medical conditions originating from the biliary system. When there is not enough bile in your stools, it will present with a pale gray discoloration. Read more to figure out what conditions could be causing this.
What are the 7 types of poop?
How to Tell If Your Bowel is Clean Prior to Colonoscopy . Your stool should be clear, yellow, light and liquid. The presence of dark particles or thick brown or black stool means you are not ready for colonoscopy . If your stool is not clear after taking your entire bowel prep agent, you may need additional prep agent.
What does grayish stool mean?
How to tell if your bowel is clean prior to colonoscopy?
Why does my stool turn gray?
Stool will appear gray or pale because of the absence of bile salts, an important component of the bile produced by your liver and gallbladder. The cause could be found anywhere along the biliary system of our body but one of the most likely places for this to occur would be in our livers [ 2 ].
Why does my liver poop pale?
Some of the most common causes of liver pathology include conditions like viral hepatitis, chronic alcoholism and liver metastatic cancer. All of these will not only produce frequent bowel movements, they are likely to all present with pale stool as well.
Is gray stool normal?
Gray-colored bowel movements are not a variation of normal, and if you have been having them for a while, you need to seek medical attention as soon as you can. While you can learn a lot about the possible causes of gray stool by reading up on the topic, only a doctor and the diagnostic tools at their disposal can ultimately get you the correct diagnosis and then treatment.
Can gallstones cause nausea?
You can begin to suspect that you may have gallstones if you find that you have upper abdominal pain, especially after eating a fatty meal. You may feel nausea, can vomit after meals, have frequent bowel movements and will most likely also have pale stools.
Why does stool color change?
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. As bile pigments travel through your gastrointestinal tract, they are chemically altered by enzymes, ...
Why is my stool red?
If your stool is bright red or black — which may indicate the presence of blood — seek prompt medical attention. Food may be moving through the large intestine too quickly, such as due to diarrhea. As a result, bile doesn't have time to break down completely.
What does it mean when you have no bile in your stool?
A lack of bile in stool. This may indicate a bile duct obstruction. Certain medications, such as large doses of bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol) and other anti-diarrheal drugs. Excess fat in the stool, such as due to a malabsorption disorder, for example, celiac disease.
Does bile break down?
As a result, bile doesn't have time to break down completely. Green leafy vegetables, green food coloring, such as in flavored drink mixes or ice pops, iron supplements. A lack of bile in stool. This may indicate a bile duct obstruction.
Why is my stool brown?
This is mainly due to a substance known as bilirubin. It is a substances that is constantly produced in the liver as a result of the breakdown of red blood cells.
What causes white stools?
Acute or chronic pancreatitis (low appetite, pain in the middle or left upper abdomen, nausea) Pancreatic cancer (low appetite, weight loss). Liver or biliary duct disease. Infections of the bowel such as cholera which causes a characteristic white ‘rice water’ stool.
What does white specks in stool mean?
White specs in the stool may represent: Undigested food, like rice or seeds. Unabsorbed drugs or supplements. Parasite eggs in very large quantities (uncommon). Clumps of fungi ( Candida albicans) when extreme overgrowth occurs in disease like AIDS, or in immunosuppression from chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Why does urine turn darker?
It arises due to the excess bilirubin in the bloodstream, which cannot be passed out with bile. Similar to the bilirubin that is converted to stercobilin in the bowels, bilirubin is converted to urobilin in the kidneys. This urobilin in large quantities can cause the urine to become darker in color.
Why does diarrhea occur in the small intestine?
Above reasons (obstruction of the bile flow), or lack of pancreatic enzyme lipase that digests fats prevents fat absorption in the small intestine. Unabsorbed fats will reach the colon and irritate it, causing diarrhea.
What color is bowel movement?
Normal bowel movement color can be any shade of brown, ranging from tan and yellowish-brown to darker shades of brown. There can be temporary changes in the stool color after consuming certain foods with strong pigments but it may only last for a day or two at most.
Why does my bowel move white?
Main causes of white bowel movement are: Obstruction of the biliary duct (due to gallstones, inflammation, fibrosis, cancer, pressure from outside (pancreatic cancer or cyst, abdominal tumor like fibroma) may cause cramping pain in the right upper abdomen. Obstruction of the outflow of the bile from the liver due to a liver disease ...
Why does my stool get greasy?
Greasy stool is generally a sign of intestinal malabsorption, associated with conditions such as celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, lactase deficiency and so on. These conditions disrupt processes of fat breakdown/absorption. In principle, any food that exacerbates these underlying conditions can cause greasy stool .
Why do my stools float?
Stools that float are usually fatty or greasy and are most often due to poor absorption of nutrients (malabsorption) or too much gas (flatulence) [2]. Flatulence can be caused by consumption of foods that are hard to digest, such as fiber, or food that your body cannot tolerate.
Why is my mucous sticky?
Cystic fibrosis: This disease, usually symptomatic since early childhood, causes the mucous membranes in the body to become sticky as mucus becomes thick. This mucus blocks ducts and valves, or passages in the pancreas, and prevents the normal release of bile and enzymes that break down fat.
Where are gallstones located?
Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of your abdomen, just beneath your liver.
Is fatty stool normal?
Steatorrhea, or fatty stool, symptoms explained. Now and then, all of us might suffer from greasy or fatty stools that typically float in the toilet and are hard to flush. Occasional fat in the stool is normal, especially after a very rich meal at a fancy French restaurant, for example, where you probably feasted on high-fat foods.
Is gluten sensitive enteropathy a sprue?
Celiac disease is also called gluten-sensitive enteropathy, coeliac, or sprue. It is an autoimmune response in the gut to gluten, a protein in wheat, rye, and barley. Repeated exposure to gluten causes damage to the lining of the small intestine. Most at risk are Caucasians with:
Does coffee cause greasy stool?
There have been no studies linking coffee and greasy stool. Caffeine in the coffee is a potent stimulator of smooth muscles in the intestinal tract and thus might have an impact on bowel function. Sometimes dairy products in the coffee can contribute to greasy stool among patients with lactase deficiency.
What is passing greyish stool?
What are Passing Greyish Stools? While it probably isn’t a favorite pastime, paying careful attention to the color, size, and consistency of your dog’s stools is one of the best ways to monitor the state of his health. A healthy dog’s stool is normally moist, firm but not hard, and brown, with a mild odor. If your dog’s stool deviates ...
What is a dog's stool?
A healthy dog’s stool is normally moist, firm but not hard, and brown, with a mild odor. If your dog’s stool deviates from any of these qualities, you should pay extra-careful attention to his health, as something may be seriously wrong with his digestion. Bile duct obstruction. Gallbladder obstructions.
What is the cause of a dog's pancreas to be underdeveloped?
In the case of pancreatic hypoplasia, the dog’s pancreas is underdeveloped, and cannot properly perform its digestive functions. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) is another enzyme-related problem in the pancreas. In EPI, your dog’s digestive system does not have enough enzymes to properly break down food for digestion.
Why does my gallbladder block my pancreas?
Gallbladder obstruction can be caused by an inflamed pancreas, cancer, a parasitic infection, deformed bile ducts, or a high fat diet. Gallstones are another bile-related digestive problem originating in the gallbladder.
Why is bile blocked in dogs?
This means that bile builds up in the liver, and digestion stops. Also known as cholestasis, bile duct obstruction is caused by pancreatitis, or an inflamed pancreas, in which enzymes become prematurely activated while in the pancreas. It is found more often in middle-aged to older dogs, and is more likely to occur in Miniature Schnauzers and Shetland Sheepdogs than other breeds.
How much does it cost to treat gallbladder obstruction?
The average national cost of treating bile duct obstruction and gallstones is $3000, while it costs an average of $4000 to treat gallbladder obstruction. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and pancreatic hypoplasia, typically receiving low-impact treatment such as dietary changes and enzymatic therapy, have no particular medical cost.
What happens if a dog's bile is not blocked?
If bile does not become blocked in the gallbladder or contribute to gallstones, it can create problems in the pancreas. A normal pancreas produces insulin and enzymes, both necessary for your dog’s proper physical functioning.
Why is my stool brown?
Bile is what gives stool its brown color, so if bile is not being produced or if the bile ducts are blocked, and bile isn't entering the small intestine, the result could be stool that is light. Medical causes of stool that is pale or clay-colored are usually liver and biliary issues such as: Alcoholic hepatitis: This disease ...
What causes a pale stool?
Medical causes of stool that is pale or clay-colored are usually liver and biliary issues such as: 1 Alcoholic hepatitis: This disease of the liver occurs after overexposure to alcohol. 2 Biliary cirrhosis: This is a type of liver disease where the bile ducts are damaged. 3 Birth defect: Some people are born with a problem in the biliary system. 4 Cysts: A cyst may block a bile duct. 5 Gallstones: These calcium deposits in the gallbladder could block bile ducts. 6 Hepatitis A, B, or C: Infectious liver diseases that may cause a lack of bile. 7 Infection: Certain types of infections could affect the biliary system. 8 Sclerosing cholangitis: This is a disease that can cause a lack of bile production or a blockage in the bile ducts. 9 Side effects of medication: Overuse of certain medications could cause drug-induced hepatitis. These drugs include non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, hormonal birth control, and certain antibiotics. 10 Strictures: A narrowing of the intestine could block the flow of bile. 11 Tumor: A tumor could block the flow of bile.
What is the biliary system?
The biliary system is the drainage system of the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. 1 Bile is created in the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and is released into the first section of the small intestine (the duodenum) while food is passing through. Ellen Lindner / Verywell.
What to do if you have blocked bile ducts?
In the case of blocked bile ducts, surgery may be required to open the ducts. If the stools are a symptom of another condition, such as hepatitis, the underlying cause should be treated.
Why do my bowels look like clay?
Stools that are pale, white, or look like clay or putty may be the result of a lack of bile or caused by a blockage in the bile ducts. Stools that are light in color or look like clay can also occur after a test in the colon that uses barium (such as a barium enema ), because the barium may be passed in the stool.
What is the disease of the liver that occurs after overexposure to alcohol?
Alcoholic hepatitis: This disease of the liver occurs after overexposure to alcohol. Biliary cirrhosis: This is a type of liver disease where the bile ducts are damaged. Birth defect: Some people are born with a problem in the biliary system. Cysts: A cyst may block a bile duct.
What causes a lack of bile?
Hepatitis A, B, or C: Infectious liver diseases that may cause a lack of bile. Infection: Certain types of infections could affect the biliary system. Sclerosing cholangitis: This is a disease that can cause a lack of bile production or a blockage in the bile ducts. Side effects of medication: Overuse of certain medications could cause drug-induced ...
Why is my stool white?
Some of the causes are: a milk-only diet. barium sulfate from barium enema. antacids. blocked bile ducts or liver disease. You should contact your doctor any time your child’s stool changes color, especially if they haven’t had any brightly colored foods or if the stools are pale, white, or clay-colored.
Why do I have pale stools?
If your liver is not producing enough bile, or if the flow of the bile is blocked and not draining from your liver, your stools may become pale or clay-colored. Having pale stools once in a while may not be a cause for concern. If it occurs frequently, you may have a serious illness. You should see your doctor whenever you have pale ...
What is the best medicine for fatty stool?
Commonly prescribed medications include cholestyramine (Questran) to treat itching and ursodiol (Urso Forte), which aids in removing bile from the bloodstream. Your doctor may also suggest taking vitamins A, K, E, and D, to replace the nutrients that are lost in the fatty stools.
Why do kids have bright colored stools?
Brightly colored stools in children are usually caused by colorful foods like breakfast cereal. However, pale, white, or clay-colored stools in children can be caused by something more serious. Some of the causes are:
What is the cause of biliary cirrhosis?
Biliary cirrhosis. Biliary cirrhosis is an inflammation or irritation of the bile ducts in the liver. The inflammation or irritation blocks the flow of bile to the intestines. The exact cause of biliary cirrhosis is unknown. There is no cure for biliary cirrhosis, and the disease can be fatal.
Why does stool change color?
Causes. In children. During pregnancy. When to see a doctor. Summary. Many things can change the color of stool, including vitamins, infections, and certain foods. Some underlying medical problems, such as gallbladder and liver disease, can also change stool color.
Why does my stool look pale?
Diseases of the pancreas can make it hard for this organ to secrete pancreatic juices into the digestive system. This can lead to the food moving too quickly through the gut, causing a pale and fatty-looking stool.
Why is my stool white?
When the stool is white or very light brown, this can signal a more serious problem, such as cholestasis, a type of liver disease. In newborns, cholestasis or any other problem with the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas may be a medical emergency, so a caregiver should call their pediatrician right away.
Why is my stool pale after taking pain pills?
A person who notices a pale stool after taking a new medication or after taking OTC pain relievers for a long time or in excess of the correct dose may have medication-related liver damage. It is best to stop taking the drug, if it is not a prescription medication, and see a doctor as soon as possible. 4.
How to tell if you have liver disease?
In addition to pale stool, other symptoms of liver disease include: 1 nausea and vomiting 2 fatigue 3 very dark urine 4 fatty stool 5 itching 6 swelling in the ankles or legs
What does it mean when your poop is white?
Pale stool, especially if it is white or clay colored, can indicate a serious health problem. When adults have a pale stool with no other symptoms, it is usually safe to wait and see if the stool returns to normal. When children and babies have very pale or white poop, a doctor should see them as soon as possible.
How do you know if you have giardiasis?
A person can contract this parasite by drinking contaminated water or being in close contact with someone who has the infection. Giardiasis is more common in regions with inconsistent access to clean water. The most common symptoms of giardiasis include stomach pain, headache, swollen stomach, vomiting, and fever.
Symptoms
Stools that are lightly colored or pale.
Pharmacology
Signs and symptoms
Causes
Adverse effects
- This bilirubin is then passed out of the liver with bile. It is stored in the gallbladder and eventually released into the gut at the point of the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). The bilirubin is converted into a substance known as stercobilin within the gut by the normal intestinal flora (good bowel bacteria). It is this stercobilin that is responsible for the brown color of stool.
Analysis
- When less than normal or no bile is excreted from the liver into the bowel (cholestasis), excreted stool will be pale, clay, gray, or white. Someone can describe it as a light color, but this is not bright yellow bowel movement, and also not mucus in the bowel movement that is jelly-like and translucent. Main causes of white bowel movement are: It is important to note that when bil…
Diagnosis
- Above reasons (obstruction of the bile flow), or lack of pancreatic enzyme lipase that digests fats prevents fat absorption in the small intestine. Unabsorbed fats will reach the colon and irritate it, causing diarrhea. Loose, white, sticky, greasy, foamy, floating, smelly stool appearing several hours after a fatty meal is called steatorrhea. Main...
Treatment
- Magnesium-containing medication, like antacids, can also have a laxative effect and cause diarrhea. Magnesium hydroxide is used in many antacids and is also the main component of a widely used compound known as milk of magnesia. It may sometimes lead to white diarrhea when overused, particularly if used in combination with large quantities of calcium.