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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

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What Is The Cause Of Sharp Abdominal Pains With Green Stools ?

My girlfriend, we are a gay couple, just came back from a week in mexico. Upon her return she is having sharp pains in her left side right before having to use the restroom, and her stool come out a very bright green. After her going through this for about three days, I am now having the green stools as well. Why is that?
Mon, 9 Apr 2012
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Pediatrician, Infectious Diseases 's  Response
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Greenish stools and abdominal pain usually indicate an infective gastroenteritis most probably viral if it resolved on it's own .If it needed medications then it could be a bacterial infection causing travellers diarrhoea or a worm infestation.This greenish colour is due to inappropriate digestion and absorption of bile fluid in gut which is green.
In any case these infections do spread through sharing common toilets, and in cohabiting family members.So most probably she has passed it on to you.
Please do not worry as if minor viral infection it may subside on its own within 3_5 days but if it worsens or you develop any new symptoms like blood in stools, vomiting, severe pain , fever etc then you should consult your doctor for apropriate antibiotic treatment.
Meanwhile you should drink plenty of water to maintain your hydration, practice adequate hygiene and frequent hand washing.Sometimes probiotics and zinc supplements help in faster resolution.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Regards
I find this answer helpful
  User's Response
Dr. rajesh lakhanpaul's  Response
Hi
The change in colour of stools apart from diseases is also related to type of food taken by you. Excess of green leafy vegetables can impart greenish colour. use of some other medicine or eatable having green as colouring agent can impart this colour. In medical science the change from normal colour to brownish, blackish, tarry black or white have significance but greenish is usually indicative of improper digestion. The pain on left can be due to gas formation or IBS. Have light diet and be regular with meals. If pain still persists then contact doctor.

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What Is The Cause Of Sharp Abdominal Pains With Green Stools ?

Hello, Thanks for posting your query. Greenish stools and abdominal pain usually indicate an infective gastroenteritis most probably viral if it resolved on it s own .If it needed medications then it could be a bacterial infection causing travellers diarrhoea or a worm infestation.This greenish colour is due to inappropriate digestion and absorption of bile fluid in gut which is green. In any case these infections do spread through sharing common toilets, and in cohabiting family members.So most probably she has passed it on to you. Please do not worry as if minor viral infection it may subside on its own within 3_5 days but if it worsens or you develop any new symptoms like blood in stools, vomiting, severe pain , fever etc then you should consult your doctor for apropriate antibiotic treatment. Meanwhile you should drink plenty of water to maintain your hydration, practice adequate hygiene and frequent hand washing.Sometimes probiotics and zinc supplements help in faster resolution. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Regards