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STOOL, ABNORMAL APPEARANCE
15 Feb 2015
Marina Gafanovich
Articles
Diseases
News
Symptoms:
Possible Problems:
What To Do:
Stool that is very dark, black or
No underlying disorder.
Nothing. If discoloration
contains black material, plus
continues, consult doctor.
any of following:
Recent consumption of green,
leafy vegetables; licorice;
chocolate; grapes, raisins and
cranberries.
Current use of iron-
supplement tablets.
Recent use of Pepto-Bismol.
Symptoms:
Possible Problems:
What To Do:
Red-looking stools.
Stools are reddish due to
Nothing. If discoloration
Recent consumption of beets,
something you ate or drank.
continues, consult doctor.
tomatoes, red-colored drinks or
cereal, cherry-flavored
medicines.
Symptoms:
Possible Problems:
What To Do:
Dark or black stool.
Adverse reaction or side
Consult doctor about
Use of prescription or non-
effect of drug.
prescription drug.
prescription drug.
Discontinue use of non-
prescription drug.
Symptoms:
Possible Problems:
What To Do:
Light colored or almost white
Jaundice. May be a
Consult doctor.
stool.
symptom of numerous
disorders.
Symptoms:
Possible Problems:
What To Do:
Blood in stool.
Several disorders.
See Bleeding, Rectal (in
OR
Symptoms section).
Stool has a black or dark-red
color.
Symptoms:
Possible Problems:
What To Do:
Worms in stool.
Parasitic infection.
Call doctor now.
See Pinworms.
See Roundworms.
Symptoms:
Possible Problems:
What To Do:
Pale stool.
Gallbladder or liver disorder.
Call doctor now.
Yellow skin and eyes
See Cholecystitis or
(jaundice).
Cholangitis.
See Hepatitis, Viral.
Symptoms:
Possible Problems:
What To Do:
Pale, foamy, bulky, bad-
Poor digestion.
See Malabsorption.
smelling stool.
No jaundice.
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