Stool Color Changes

1. Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
2. Boost Digestive Health
3. Foods That Trigger Diarrhea

• Stool color changes facts
• What causes changes in stool color form texture?
• What are the symptoms associated with stool color changes?
• Stool color chart and what does it mean
• What kind of doctor treats stool color changes?
• When should I seek medical care for stool color changes?
• How are the causes of stool color changes diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for stool color changes?
• Can stool color changes be treated at home?
• What is the medical treatment for stool color changes?
• Can changes in Stool color be prevented?
• What is the prognosis for a person with stool color changes?
• Read more on Stool Color Changes from Healthwise

• Normal stool color is brown. This is due to the presence of bile in the stool. Normal stool color can range from light yellow to brown to almost black.
• If stool is red, maroon, black, clay-colored, pale, yellow, or green this may signify a problem.
• Some causes of stool color changes include
  • 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,
  • chronic pancreatitis,
  • obstruction of the pancreatic duct that carries the enzymes to the intestines (most commonly due to pancreatic cancer),
  • celiac disease,
  • high fat foods,
  • weight loss medications that limit the amount of fat absorbed by the intestines, and
  • diarrhea.
• Symptoms of stool color changes are usually related to the underlying cause and often there are no accompanying symptoms. When there are, they may include
  • abdominal pain and cramping,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting of blood,
  • diarrhea,
  • weakness,
  • lightheadedness, and
  • dizziness.
• Treatment for changes in stool color depends upon on the cause and can vary widely.
• If stool color changes only happen once or twice (are transient) they are less of a concern than those that are persistent. Contact your doctor if the stool color changes are persistent.

Must Read Articles Related to Stool Color Changes

Anal Abscess Anal abscesses include perirectal abscess and perianal abscess. Both types of abscesses need immediate medical attention. Causes of anal abscesses include indiv...learn more >>

Anal Fissure Anal fissures are small tears in the skin overlying the anus. Anal fissures are generally caused by learn more >>

Anemia Anemia can be caused by many conditions and diseases such as iron deficiency, poor diet and nutrition, cancers, bone marrow problems, and more. Symptoms of anem...learn more >>

See the Entire Stool Color Changes Topic Guide »