Why are my stools pale sometimes?

Why are my stools pale sometimes?

When the stool is very pale, it often means that not enough bile is reaching the stool. Problems with the gallbladder, pancreas, or liver are reasons why stool may not contain enough bile. People who have consistently pale stools may want to talk to a doctor about conditions that affect these organs.

What does it mean when your stool is pale?

A pale stool can be the result of eating foods you don’t normally eat or when you’re taking a course of medications. In cases like these a change in stool color should be temporary. If you’re pale stools continue for more than 3 weeks it may indicate an underlying health problem and a visit to the doctor would be in order.

When to see a doctor about pale stool?

Having a stool that is white or pale just once, or rarely, is not usually a concern, but when the color is consistently too light, it is something that should be discussed with a doctor.

Is it normal for a baby to have pale stool?

Pale stools in children are not necessarily a medical emergency if they occur once and are pale but not white. Breastfed babies have light yellowish-brown stools. This hue is especially prevalent among babies who have not yet transitioned to solids.

What to do if your stool is pale for 3 weeks?

If the stool remains pale for more than 3 weeks it could indicate an underlying health problem, therefore see your doctor and have it checked out. Enzymes are essential for a healthy digestion. The body produces enzymes in the pancreas where they are released into the small intestines to break down and absorb fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

Are pale stools a serious problem?

Some underlying medical problems, such as gallbladder and liver disease, can also change stool color. 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.

What causes clay stools in adults?

Light-colored stools in infants or adults can be caused by lack of bile in the digestive system. Hepatitis B, irritable bowel syndrome, or a stomach infection can cause clay-colored stool, also known as acholic stool.

What causes bright yellow stool in adults?

Viral and Parasitic Causes. Yellow stools in adults can be caused by viral infections such as hepatitis or viral hepatitis. Parasites can also cause yellow stools in adults. One particular parasite is called Giardia .

What causes grainy stools in adults?

White grainy stools is characteristic of bile acid imabalance especially taurine in the stools. Some vitamin supplements can also cause white grainy stool to form with a very orange background. Itching after a bowel movement can be due to haemorrhoids or parasites as well.