been having pale stool. when to call doctor?

Question

My 16 mo son has had pale yellow stool since his birthday, i called his pediatrician who said it should go away. It hasn't and is getting lighter?

Answer 1

Now: Hello. Prompt medical evaluation is warranted for extremely light stool. There are a number of possible causes such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or obstruction of a bile duct (i.e., gallstone or a mass). Any significant change in bowel habitus warrants assessment.

Answer 2

Nah...: Lighter colored stools reflect what you have eaten recently. Unless you are have very loose stools like diarrhea that you have to worry about becoming dehydrated -or - bloody stools, the change in stool color is not to be concerned with. Any new foods? Supplements? Vitamins? Or medications? If so these would explain as well... Best to you!

Answer 3

Maybe: If the 'light colored stools represent a change - and particularly if especially stinky and/or difficult to flush away - this may represent pancreatic problems. See a GI md if this is a change...

Answer 4

Bile blockage: One possible cause is obstruction of the bile duct from gallstones, tumor or swelling. The normal color of the stools comes in large part from the bile so when it doesn't get into the intestine, light or "clay colored" stools result. If you are having abdominal pain or other symptoms associated with this, please see a doctor.

Answer 5

See your doctor : If you are describing clay colored stools, you should see your doctor. This may represent a problem with what is called enterohepatic circulation and should be evaluated with blood work and possibly urine testing as well.

Answer 6

White stool: Stools can be of different color by one's intake. Alot of antacids or a recent barium test could possible be a cause. However if this persists liver disorders need to be ruled out. A white (or clay colored stool) can signify lack of bile salts and an underlying liver condition. I would take this seriously and see your pcp asap.

Answer 7

Not normal: White stool is usually caused by a lack of bile which is secreted by the gallbladder. It needs to be evaluated by your physician.

Answer 8

Light-colored stool: Bile & your gut's bacterial flora account in large part for color & volume of stool. Absence of bile results in pale (acholic) stool. Lots of other things also affect stool appearance: ingested foods, medications (peptobismol, antacids), swallowed blood or bleeding from gut, infection/antibiotics, inflammation, maldigestion, & the amount of mucus mixed with stool, as well as transit time of food.

Answer 9

Light colored stool: Bile & your gut's bacterial flora account in large part for color & volume of stool. Absence of bile results in pale (acholic) stool. Lots of other things also affect stool appearance: ingested foods, medications (peptobismol, antacids), swallowed blood or bleeding from gut, infection/antibiotics, inflammation, maldigestion, & the amount of mucus mixed with stool, as well as transit time of food.

been having pale stool. when to call doctor?

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