Brief Answer:
About yellow stool.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Usually yellow stool is not significant, especially if it happens intermittently rather than every day.

If stool is yellow, greasy and very foul smelling, this is usually due to malabsorption, from an inflammatory process, or lack of pancreatic enzymes.

If the stool is just yellowish, it is usually from less bilirubin, which is produced by the liver and secreted into the intestinal tract by the gall bladder which stores it.

I do not think Tums would have any effect - it is calcium carbonate.

Alcohol, if in excess, can cause liver problems so that is a possibility.

But if it started when you started Prilosec, that may be suspect.

How long has this been going on, and did you start Prilosec around the same time? Or drink more prior to the onset of this?

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Brief Answer:
Sounds ok.

Detailed Answer:
Ok, got it.

Yellow stool for one day (or even 3) is not a problem. Especially if you are feeling well otherwise.

If you've been on Prilosec for 8 months and tolerated it well, I doubt that it is the cause of the yellow stool today.

It may just be due to something you ate.

If it continues, then go in to discuss with your doctor. But usually, unless it is very foul smelling and foamy/greasy, it is not due to a problem.

If it is very pale, almost clay color, that can be from bile not being produced enough, or not getting into your intestines because of obstruction of the exit of the gall bladder. But I am not gathering that that is what is going on.

I hope this relieves your concern. Please let me know if I can provide more information.

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Brief Answer:
Glad to help.

Detailed Answer:
That sounds like a plan.

Have a good night!

Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD

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