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What Causes Green Stool While Having Diarrhea?
Question: I have been having diarrhea dark green liquid-soft since Friday am. I woke up and have 4 episodes of diarrhea/stools in 3 hours before going to work. I have had symptoms like excessive gas, foul smell, and green stools since. When is it time to seek treatment. I ate at chipotle's the night before.
I have no temp but my coworkers say I am pale. my stomach is rolling nonstop.
I have no temp but my coworkers say I am pale. my stomach is rolling nonstop.
Brief Answer:
may be able to monitor for now
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The brown color of stool is due to changes in the bile in the stool that occur as the stool passes through the colon.
If the stool is passing out more frequently as in diarrhea , then the bile cannot undergo these changes and it remains green causing the stool to be green,
Diarrhea is most often due to viral or bacterial infection and it is self limiting for most. This means it usually lasts a few days only (sometimes up to a week) then resolves with symptomatic treatment only (treatment directed at the symptoms only not the infection itself).
You can see your doctor if it lasts for more than 1 week or it is worsening or blood is seen
Present home treatment would include: (1) holding off solid food till there is a 4 hour window with no symptoms at all
When this time slot occurs, restart with small amounts of dry foods or brat diet.
(2)probiotics would help to shorten the course by helping to give back the good bacteria
Either on their own or in yogurt with probiotic
(3)pepto bismol or lomotil would help with the diarrhea
(4) pepcid would help with the excess gas as well
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
may be able to monitor for now
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The brown color of stool is due to changes in the bile in the stool that occur as the stool passes through the colon.
If the stool is passing out more frequently as in diarrhea , then the bile cannot undergo these changes and it remains green causing the stool to be green,
Diarrhea is most often due to viral or bacterial infection and it is self limiting for most. This means it usually lasts a few days only (sometimes up to a week) then resolves with symptomatic treatment only (treatment directed at the symptoms only not the infection itself).
You can see your doctor if it lasts for more than 1 week or it is worsening or blood is seen
Present home treatment would include: (1) holding off solid food till there is a 4 hour window with no symptoms at all
When this time slot occurs, restart with small amounts of dry foods or brat diet.
(2)probiotics would help to shorten the course by helping to give back the good bacteria
Either on their own or in yogurt with probiotic
(3)pepto bismol or lomotil would help with the diarrhea
(4) pepcid would help with the excess gas as well
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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