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What Causes Pale Colored Stools?
Question: my stools have been very lite in color not brown almost colorless
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Pale colored stools is usually a sign of obstruction of bile pigments. If bile pigments are not getting out of the gall bladder, they don't enter the intestines and then the stool does not have it's usual color. These pigments are made in the liver, stored in the gall bladder, and then released into the first part of the small intestines.
I recommend you go in to see your doctor who will likely order an ultrasound of your liver and gall bladder. An ultrasound is a non-invasive test, using a transducer (like a microphone) that is used on the outside of your abdomen. It can give a good picture of abnormalities in the liver or gall bladder, such as stones.
Sometimes the clay/pale colored stools can be transient, such as during and shortly after a gastrointestinal infection, but sometimes it is due to gall stones, or strictures. Even some medications can do this if they cause liver inflammation, and the problem usually goes away with discontinuation of the medication.
So - go in to see your doctor and be evaluated.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Pale colored stools is usually a sign of obstruction of bile pigments. If bile pigments are not getting out of the gall bladder, they don't enter the intestines and then the stool does not have it's usual color. These pigments are made in the liver, stored in the gall bladder, and then released into the first part of the small intestines.
I recommend you go in to see your doctor who will likely order an ultrasound of your liver and gall bladder. An ultrasound is a non-invasive test, using a transducer (like a microphone) that is used on the outside of your abdomen. It can give a good picture of abnormalities in the liver or gall bladder, such as stones.
Sometimes the clay/pale colored stools can be transient, such as during and shortly after a gastrointestinal infection, but sometimes it is due to gall stones, or strictures. Even some medications can do this if they cause liver inflammation, and the problem usually goes away with discontinuation of the medication.
So - go in to see your doctor and be evaluated.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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