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What Causes Change In Stool Color?
Question: Hi. im a 40 year old male in good health except for health anxiety/hypochondria, undiagnosed. 3 days ago i noticed my stools were lighter. i attached a some photos from today...sorry for the grossness. ive been worrying about pancreati cancer. i also had a post nasal drip cold since the same time. my question is regarding the stool color. ive read that pale/clay colored can be a sign of it. i had a blodd panel done 6 months ago in the er for ither reason. part of test was liver function and came back fine
Brief Answer:
No sign for pancreatic cancer;viral gastroenteritis as probable cause
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.
1. The stool color does change according to the speed of passing bowel movements. In your case have lighter than normal is still considered within normal range.
It is not a sign of pancreatic cancer. You are reporting to have post nasal drip at that time. This might be caused due to a virus and might have been associated with Gastroenteritis (frequent bowel movements and loose stool).
2. As long as the liver function test resulted fine, no liver problem is suspected neither.
For the moment, I'd advise to :
- take probiotics to stabilize intestinal flora as it might be altered
- have light meals to avoid increase in frequency of bowel movements
All the best!
Dr.Klerida
No sign for pancreatic cancer;viral gastroenteritis as probable cause
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.
1. The stool color does change according to the speed of passing bowel movements. In your case have lighter than normal is still considered within normal range.
It is not a sign of pancreatic cancer. You are reporting to have post nasal drip at that time. This might be caused due to a virus and might have been associated with Gastroenteritis (frequent bowel movements and loose stool).
2. As long as the liver function test resulted fine, no liver problem is suspected neither.
For the moment, I'd advise to :
- take probiotics to stabilize intestinal flora as it might be altered
- have light meals to avoid increase in frequency of bowel movements
All the best!
Dr.Klerida
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Pradeep Vitta
Thank you. So the pictures i sent looked fine color wise? Ive read pale or clay colored is bad. What color is that? Is that white/grey?
Brief Answer:
It is normal stool color
Detailed Answer:
Hi back.
yes your color stools is normal.
please bare in mind not all the time the color of your stool is the same because it change from foods used, rapid bowel transit etc.
It is not grey, not white but yellow and normal color.
wishing you all the best.
dr.Klerida
It is normal stool color
Detailed Answer:
Hi back.
yes your color stools is normal.
please bare in mind not all the time the color of your stool is the same because it change from foods used, rapid bowel transit etc.
It is not grey, not white but yellow and normal color.
wishing you all the best.
dr.Klerida
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Pradeep Vitta
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