HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Could Be The Reason For Having Pale Waxy Stools And Electrolyte Imbalance?

default
Posted on Wed, 5 Feb 2014
Question: Hi Doc My grandmother is 87 now. Of late her general health has come down with occassional electrolyte imbalance etc. The current concern is for past 1-2 weeks it is noticed that her stool is pale waxy and really fowl smelling. What could be the reason and possible management.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Gaurav Katiyar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Steatorrhea Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through your query. Your grandmother has complain of Pale , waxy and foul smelling stool for last 1-2 weeks. I assume that she has no other complaints other than occasional electrolyte imbalance. It is known as steatorrhea. Pale colour is due to absence of bile (may be due to liver damage). Waxy and foul smelling due to presence of fat ( Defect in lining of intestine leading to malabsorption or defect in pancreatic enzyme). Since it is sudden at this old age, actual cause should be found out for effective treatment. I advise you to see her a local gastroenterologist for clinical examination and investigations like stool examination, liver function test and other blood tests. In the meantime fat free diet can be given with digestive enzymes like Aristozyme. Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Gaurav Katiyar

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 642 Questions

Ask a doctor now
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Gastroenterologist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
What Could Be The Reason For Having Pale Waxy Stools And Electrolyte Imbalance?

Brief Answer: Steatorrhea Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through your query. Your grandmother has complain of Pale , waxy and foul smelling stool for last 1-2 weeks. I assume that she has no other complaints other than occasional electrolyte imbalance. It is known as steatorrhea. Pale colour is due to absence of bile (may be due to liver damage). Waxy and foul smelling due to presence of fat ( Defect in lining of intestine leading to malabsorption or defect in pancreatic enzyme). Since it is sudden at this old age, actual cause should be found out for effective treatment. I advise you to see her a local gastroenterologist for clinical examination and investigations like stool examination, liver function test and other blood tests. In the meantime fat free diet can be given with digestive enzymes like Aristozyme. Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help