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

question-icon

What Causes Clay Coloured Stool In A Child?

default
Posted on Mon, 21 Sep 2015
Question: My 19 month daughter has been having clay coloured stools for aprox 1 week. Last weekend she had a 24 hr vomiting bug. Few days later this Thursday got a throat and ear infection that she spiked a temperature 3 times but much better today. Also seems to be getting the odd canker sore on her tongue. Shes gone off veges lately and has been having lots of carbohydrate based foods. Could any of the above be causing the clay coloured poop? Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Please attach an image of stool

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for asking on this platform

I understand your concern.Clay colored stool is usually present in case of some liver dysfunction or obstructive jaundice where the pigments which are responsible for the normal yellow/brown color could not be formed.
Apart from clay color colored stool other symptoms are suggestive of some viral infection,with vomiting,altered bowel pattern,fever with sores.
Carbohydrate rich diet does not exactly causes clay colored stool.
Clay colored stool is usually associated with yellowish discoloration of skin or eye(jaundice).
Sometimes this may be just a subjective/transient finding and improves over a period of time.
I wont get overly worried if baby is active,playful,accepting feeds well,there is no fever or any other significant complaints.
I would suggest you to attach an image so that I can assess the condition and better able to help you out.

Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain

Pediatrician, Cardiology

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2074 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Pediatrician
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 Causes Clay Coloured Stool In A Child?

Brief Answer: Please attach an image of stool Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for asking on this platform I understand your concern.Clay colored stool is usually present in case of some liver dysfunction or obstructive jaundice where the pigments which are responsible for the normal yellow/brown color could not be formed. Apart from clay color colored stool other symptoms are suggestive of some viral infection,with vomiting,altered bowel pattern,fever with sores. Carbohydrate rich diet does not exactly causes clay colored stool. Clay colored stool is usually associated with yellowish discoloration of skin or eye(jaundice). Sometimes this may be just a subjective/transient finding and improves over a period of time. I wont get overly worried if baby is active,playful,accepting feeds well,there is no fever or any other significant complaints. I would suggest you to attach an image so that I can assess the condition and better able to help you out. Regards