Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Medically Reviewed on 10/18/2022
Doctor's Notes on Stool Color Changes
Stool color changes refer to unusual or different colors found in the stool (feces). Many things can cause the stool to change color temporarily, including your diet. Beets and green vegetables, in particular, may alter stool color. Other conditions that can cause changes in stool color include certain medications, hemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis, gallbladder disease, and celiac disease, among others. Any condition that can cause bleeding into the gastrointestinal tract can cause blood in the stool and a change in color to bright red or black.
Symptoms and signs associated with changes in stool color depend on the reason for the change. These can include rectal bleeding, diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramping, hemorrhoids, and the passage of mucus in the stool. Stool color changes related to diet or medications may not be accompanied by other symptoms.
What Is the Treatment for Stool Color Changes?
Changes in stool color are a symptom and not a condition; therefore, treatment will be directed at the underlying condition that caused the color change. Some changes in stool color may be related to dietary factors or medication use and do not require treatment.
- In some cases, treatments may be required such as surgery for tumors, hemorrhoids, and ulcerative colitis.
- In other cases, medications to manage inflammatory bowel disease and the repair of fissures or other trauma to the digestive tract may be required.
Pancreatitis : Test Your Medical IQ Quiz
QuestionPancreatitis is inflammation of an organ in the abdomen called the pancreas.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
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Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, and the condition has two types, chronic and acute. Symptoms of acute pancreatitis most commonly begin with abdominal pain in the middle or upper left part of the abdomen and abdominal pain may increase after eating or lying flat on the back. Other symptoms may include nausea, fever, rapid heartbeat, and dehydration. -
Anal Abscess
Anal abscesses include perirectal abscess and perianal abscess. Both types of abscesses need immediate medical attention. Causes of anal abscesses include individuals with medical conditions such as diabetes, AIDS/HIV, Crohn's disease, those on immune system suppressor drugs, pregnancy, STDs, and anal fissures. Symptoms of anal abscesses include pain in the anal area, pus drainage near the anus, fever, lower abdominal pain, painful bowel movements, fatigue, and night sweats. Treatment of anal abscesses is often surgery. -
Anal Fissure
Anal fissures are small tears in the skin overlying the anus. Anal fissures are generally caused by constipation, or straining with a bowel movement. Symptoms of an anal fissure include severe pain during a bowel movement, drops of blood in the toilet, and pain while sitting. Anal fissure treatment includes home remedies such as Sitz baths and a high fiber diet and medical treatment of such as medication, botox injections, or surgery. -
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 anemia depend upon the cause, and progression of the disease. Treatment depends upon the cause of anemia. -
Clostridium Difficile (C. difficile)
Clostridium difficile (or C. difficile, C. diff) colitis is an infection of the colon. C. diff infection is most commonly associated with antibiotic use. Another common name is pseudomembranous colitis. C. diff bacteria is commonly found on items such as floors, bedpans, phones, and fingernails, etc. C. diff infection causes are use of certain antibiotics. Risk factors for C. diff infection include hospitalization, age, and chronic medical conditions. Treatment is generally with another antibiotic. -
Colitis
Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon that can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Learn about common causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention, types, and diet. -
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. Get the facts on colon cancer (colorectal cancer) signs, symptoms, causes, prognosis, treatment, and prevention screening through colonoscopy. -
Constipation in Children
Constipation in infants and children affects up to 10% of children at any given time. Causes of constipation in infants and children include a wilfulness to avoid the toilet, prior painful or frightening experiences that make them avoid the bathroom, a concern for lack of privacy in public restrooms, changes in diet, dehydration, and several medical disorders. Symptoms of constipation in infants and children include vague abdominal pain, vomiting, decreased appetite, urinary tract infections (UTIs), urinary incontinence, frequent urination, and bedwetting. Home remedies can be helpful with mild constipation, however, it may be necessary for the affected infant or child to see a pediatrician or other health care professional. -
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is common and can be treated at home with natural remedies and over-the-counter medication. Learn about common causes, associated symptoms, and how to get rid of diarrhea. -
Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis)
Diverticulitis (diverticulosis) is inflammation of the diverticula in the digestive tract. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, and cramping. Learn about treatment options. -
Foreign Body in Rectum
The majority of foreign bodies (objects) placed in the rectum have been placed through the anus. Examples of foreign objects in the rectum include bottles, candles, fruits, vegetables, and sex toys. If a person knows they have, or thinks they have a foreign body in the rectum, they should seek medical care. The object may be easily removed by a health care professional; however, in some cases surgery is necessary to remove the object. -
Gallstones
Gallstones (gallbladder stones) symptoms like abdominal pain after eating fatty or greasy meal. Learn if diet has a role in the formation of gallstones and the potential for surgical treatment. -
Gastrointestinal Bleeding (GI Bleeding)
Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding either comes from the upper GI or lower GI tract. Upper GI bleeding can be caused by ulcers, gastritis, varices, cancer, or inflammation. Lower GI bleeding is caused by diverticulitis, cancers, IBD, infection, polyps, hemorrhoids, and anal fissures. Symptoms and signs of GI bleeding include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, vomiting blood, rectal bleeding, anemia, or a pale appearance. Treatment of GI bleeding depends on the cause. -
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels in the lining of the walls of the rectum and anus. Hemorrhoids usually are caused by increased pressure within the lower abdomen. Several hemorrhoid treatments are available, and include home remedies, for example, over-the-counter (OTC) medicine like stool softeners and creams or suppositories to shrink and decrease inflammation of the hemorrhoid tissue); changes in the diet; Sitz baths; exercise; or surgery. -
Is Blood in Stool Serious?
Blood in the stool may be an indication of a serious health problem, like bowel cancer. But it’s more likely the result of a minor condition, like hemorrhoids. Only your doctor can say for sure, however. -
Jaundice
Jaundice is yellow staining of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by abnormally high blood levels of the bile pigment bilirubin. Examples of the causes of jaundice include malaria, sickle cell disease, drugs, toxins, newborn jaundice, gallstones, pancreatitis, and autoimmune disorders. Some of the common symptoms of jaundice include a yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes, light-colored stools, dark urine, and itching of the skin. Treatment for jaundice depends on the cause. -
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers, one of the most non-responsive to treatment, and one of the hardest to diagnose; in one recent year, 84 % of those diagnosed in the U.S. died of the disease. It affects the pancreas, which is a crucial abdominal organ that produces insulin to maintain blood sugar, and it performs other functions crucial to digestion and metabolism. -
Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are sores on the lining of part of the digestive tract caused by an infection with H. pylori or certain medications. There are two types of peptic ulcers, a gastric ulcer, which forms in the lining of the stomach, and a duodenal ulcer, which forms in the upper part of the small intestine. Common stomach ulcer symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, and in severe cases, bleeding in the stomach or duodenum. -
Rectal Bleeding
Rectal bleeding (also called hematochezia, meaning bright red blood in the stool) is a symptom of a problem in the digestive tract. Common causes of rectal bleeding include hemorrhoids, anal fissure, diverticulosis, infection, inflammation (IBD or irritable bowel disease, Crohn's disease, colitis), blood vessel problems (angiodysplasia). Other causes may include polyps, tumors, trauma, an upper gastrointestinal source like stomach ulcers, and Meckel's diverticulum (rare). -
Ricin Poisoning
Ricin is a potent toxin that can be used as an agent of biological warfare, as a weapon of mass destruction, or to cause someone harm; even death. Ricin is a protein derived from castor beans used to make castor oil (motor oil). Symptoms of ricin poisoning depend on whether it has been inhaled, ingested from contaminated food or drink, or by injection, and may include heavy sweating, low blood pressure, fluid in the lungs, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, blood in the urine, multiple organ failure, and pain and redness of the skin and eyes. If you are exposed to ricin, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department. -
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an acute or chronic inflammation of the membranes that line the colon. Symptoms and signs of UC include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, urgency for a bowel movement, fever, fatigue, and lack of appetite. Treatment for UC includes medication and lifestyle changes. On occasion, surgery may be a necessary treatment for ulcerative colitis. -
Vomiting and Nausea
The many causes of vomiting and nausea include food poisoning, viruses, vertigo, head injuries, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, migraine, brain tumors, and infections. Learn about home remedies and treatment.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.