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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Yellow, Gray Bowel Movements, Diarrhea, Lower Back Pain, Headaches, Sinus Problems. What Is The Problem?

During the last week I have had a couple of bowel movements that are yellow/ gray and then normal brown. I have had loght color diareahh and some lower back pain today. The second stool was half light color and half brown and better formed. I am not nauseous and appetite is ok. I had one light color stool last week.

I had chest pain last night. A little today but not so bad. Last week end I cleaned with bleach and had a horrible headache and sinus problems as well as pain in chest. I recovered after hot bath and rest.

Should I see a doctor? what could be the problem?
Tue, 14 May 2013
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Stool color is caused by bile secretion to the stool and by intestinal bacteria. When one of this factors is impeded, stool changes its color.
Lighter stool, back pain, chest pain can be caused by a stone in bile ducts. Such stone obstructs duct and bile is not secreted to the stool. You may also notice dark urine with light stool.
Bacterial infection of intestines can be also the reason of your symptoms. In such case, there is no "good" intestinal bacteria responsible for the stool color.
Back pain should be also checked with urinary tract infection (sometimes can be caused by diarrhea). Chest pain should be always checked with heart problems.

I suggest you to visit your doctor and have abdominal ultrasound, blood work, liver tests (AST,ALT,GGTP,AP), amylase, urine amylase, urine analysis, bilirubin level and stool tests. Heart ECG should be also done.

Hope this will help.
Regards.
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Yellow, Gray Bowel Movements, Diarrhea, Lower Back Pain, Headaches, Sinus Problems. What Is The Problem?

Hello! Thank you for the query. Stool color is caused by bile secretion to the stool and by intestinal bacteria. When one of this factors is impeded, stool changes its color. Lighter stool, back pain, chest pain can be caused by a stone in bile ducts. Such stone obstructs duct and bile is not secreted to the stool. You may also notice dark urine with light stool. Bacterial infection of intestines can be also the reason of your symptoms. In such case, there is no good intestinal bacteria responsible for the stool color. Back pain should be also checked with urinary tract infection (sometimes can be caused by diarrhea). Chest pain should be always checked with heart problems. I suggest you to visit your doctor and have abdominal ultrasound, blood work, liver tests (AST,ALT,GGTP,AP), amylase, urine amylase, urine analysis, bilirubin level and stool tests. Heart ECG should be also done. Hope this will help. Regards.