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What Causes Yellowish Stool?

Posted on Mon, 19 Dec 2016

Question: Good morning, I am a 72 year old male. I have been a moderate drinker since about 20 years old. I have a physical once a year. My last blood work done in XXXXXXX of this year, everything was good according to my doctor. My height is 5 feel 10 inches & weight is 194. I am very active, and get no less than 3 miles a day in walking. My medications are Vytorin, Lisinopril, Avodart and Hydrochlorothiazide. I still work 60 hours a week as a construction superintendent. Roughly two weeks ago I noticed my stools have turned yellow most of the time. I have no pain, don't feel fatigue, have no fever. My wife and I use very little salt, hardly any grease and limited sugar. When I was put on cholesterol medicine 8 years ago, we immediately got off fatty food and grease. While looking on line this yellow stool could be caused from the Pancreas or liver. Any suggestions. I have YYYY@YYYY having my 3 afternoon drinks, which consist of a shot of XXXXXXX XXXXX w/water.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Repeat liver/pancreas/kidney function tests/abdominal ultrasound again...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.

You report to have noted your stool to turned yellow most of the time while having no pain, do not feel fatigue and no fever.

It is true that yellow stool is indicating lack of bile salts.
However, keep in mind that what you eat and drink can affect the color of your stool especially when no other symptom is present.

If you have symptoms like burning sensation in the chest or pain after ingesting food, then, GERD is also to consider. Medications you are taking might cause hyperacidity of the stomach which makes fecal mass pass through bowels rapidly with yellow/pale stool .

If you had your annual and it was ok; then, can repeat liver/kidney/pancreas function test again and run stool analysis. Abdominal ultrasound is also recommended.

Meanwhile, I advise to continue with diet changes you are already following.
Have your meals regularly; increase fluids intake.
Start taking probiotics to stabilize intestinal flora that might also affect absorption of nutrients.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have further queries.
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (10 minutes later)

Which of my medications could cause the hyperacidity?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained below...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Sorry for the late reply.

Lisinopril is sometimes associated with gastritis/heartburn or hyperacidity problems of stomach.

Clay-colored/pale stools are also associated with Vytorin use if you have no other problems.

Hope this answers your query. Let me know if you need further help.
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (3 hours later)

I started on probiotics yesterday and drink 8-10 bottles of water a day. Hopefully this improve the problem. Thanks for your help.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You're most welcome...

Detailed Answer:
Happy to know my suggestions were of help.

If no more questions please close this discussion.

Wish fast recovery.
Dr.Albana

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar