What does yellow stool mean in an adult? Yellow stool in an adult, causes of yellow stool, yellow mucus in poop. Causes of yellow stool in adults

Stool color healthy person can vary from light brown to dark brown. This color is caused by the presence in the feces of a product that is produced as a result of pigment metabolism processes.

Causes of changes in stool color

The color or shade of stool may change due to:

taking some medicines, for example, hematogen, bismuth salts, calomel. In such cases, the stool may be black or green;
consumed certain foods. For example, after eating asparagus, lettuce and sorrel, the feces acquire a greenish tint. And after eating black currants, cherries and blueberries, it can turn black;
the predominance of certain nutrients in products. For example, when using large quantity milk, the color of stool can become golden yellow, when eating meat and sausages - black-brown, and when eating plant foods - light brown.

However, a change in the color and shade of feces may also indicate the development of certain pathological processes in the body and be one of the symptoms of the following diseases:

cirrhosis of the liver;
stomach ulcer;
development of malignant and benign neoplasms;
hepatitis;
gastric erosion;
bleeding from hemorrhoids:
bleeding from the rectum.

If the color of the stool has changed for no reason, that is, it was not preceded by taking certain medications and foods, you should immediately seek medical attention. medical care. After all, a timely diagnosis will help eliminate the problem early stages its development, which will lead to a successful and rapid cure of the disease. In such situations, it is recommended to contact specialists in the field:

hepatology;
gastroenterology;
oncology.

Light-colored stool

Faeces that have a pale tint (white, gray) in most cases indicate that the person ate a large amount the day before:

potatoes
tapioca;
rice

If a person has had a barium sulfate x-ray, they will also experience discolored stool for several days.
Taking certain medications meant to relieve diarrhea can also cause gray stools. The fact is that these drugs contain additives such as calcium and antacids.

If we consider the issue of the occurrence of pale stool from the other side, it becomes clear that the bile secreted by the gallbladder does not enter the intestines for some reason. This may signal the development of certain diseases, including those associated with the closure of the bile ducts, namely:

pancreatitis;
tumors of the bile ducts;
hepatitis A;
stones in the gall bladder and bile ducts;
cancer or cirrhosis of the liver.

Thus, we can conclude that if a person has white stool, it means that he has problems with the gallbladder. Perhaps he suffers from cholecystitis.

Red stool

Red or red-brown color of stool should alert you. After all, it is a harbinger of the development of certain pathological processes in the body. Although in most cases, red feces indicate that you ate a fairly large amount of the following foods the day before:

beets;
red gelatin;
tomatoes;
fruit punches.

Also, red stool may indicate that a person took certain antibiotics, which contributed to the formation of ulcers in the intestines. And this already caused bleeding. After taking potassium tablets and some other medications, you may also experience blood in your stool.

If you notice the appearance of bloody stools and did not eat red foods the day before, this may indicate the presence of fissures in the anus, as well as hemorrhoids. These problems could arise for the following reasons:

after childbirth;
after sexual intercourse;
presence of foreign objects in the rectum;
with frequent constipation.

Also, red stool can be a consequence of a disease such as intestinal inflammation. This disease, in addition to bloody stool, is characterized by the presence of diarrhea and severe cramps.

In addition to the problems listed above, red feces can be a harbinger of some other diseases. digestive system organs. So, if the stool is bright red, the problem is most likely in the lower intestines. It is very likely that there are malfunctions of the large intestine, for example, diverticulitis, when small areas of the rectum become inflamed due to the presence of infection. This condition is characterized by the presence of acute pain syndrome in the lower abdomen.

For stool that is dark red in color, the problem is most likely at the top. gastrointestinal tract, namely:

in the small intestine;
in the stomach;
in the esophagus.

Bloody stool is sometimes the only symptomatic manifestation of colon cancer, as well as the presence of polyps. These polyps can be either malignant or benign.

However, in these cases, along with bloody stools, the presence of:

attacks of nausea and vomiting;
diarrhea;
spasms;
general weakness;
significant weight loss.

Yellow stool

Light yellow (golden) feces can be observed with the development of a pathology such as fermentative dyspepsia, in other words, a disturbance in the digestion of carbohydrates. This pathology may cause disruption of the digestive system due to insufficient digestion of connective tissue membranes of fibers plant origin. Thus, carbohydrates present in plant foods become inaccessible to pancreatic enzymes, as well as small intestine.

Often yellow stool in adults occurs due to poor digestion of food in the large intestine, as well as due to pancreatic insufficiency.

It is worth noting that children who are on breastfeeding, the color of stool can vary from pale yellow or even green-yellow to deep yellow with a golden hue.

Green stool

The green color of stool may indicate the development of certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, about the course of pathological processes in the small intestine, as well as about the development of dysbiosis, which provokes the processes of fermentation and rotting of consumed food.

The stool may turn green due to certain antibiotics. This color is due to the fact that the intestines contain a large number of dead leukocytes, which accumulate in it against the background of emerging foci of inflammation.

Green feces are also characteristic of a disease such as dysentery, which is an intestinal infection. Along with such stool, a person usually experiences:

significant increase in body temperature:
abdominal pain;
attacks of nausea and profuse vomiting;
aches and weakness throughout the body.

Also, feces may acquire a green tint due to the oxidation of iron, which is present in red blood cells. This occurs due to the development of complications of ulcers or malignant tumors gastrointestinal tract.

Another cause of green stool is diseases hematopoietic organs. The fact is that due to the breakdown of red blood cells, hemoglobin is converted into a large amount of bilirubin. As a result, this substance, when entering the intestines, gives the stool a greenish tint.

In children aged 6-8 months, the color of the stool may also be green. This occurs due to the fact that unchanged bilirubin enters the child’s intestines. And if no other symptoms are observed (fever, abdominal pain, blood in the stool), there is no need to worry.

Dark-colored stool

In most cases, stool that is black in color produces a more shocking and even ominous impression on a person than bloody stool.

However, not everything is as sad as it might seem at first glance. After all, a common reason for stool turning black is:

reception activated carbon;
reception of various food additives, which contain iron;
taking medications that contain bismuth;
consumption of black licorice;
eating blueberries.

But if you find yourself dark stool(almost black), which will have a viscous consistency (tarry), hurry to consult a competent doctor. After all, this may signal the presence of blood in the stool, which, in the process of entering from the esophagus into the lower parts of the gastrointestinal tract, undergoes changes - it becomes thick, viscous, and also acquires a dark color.

A common cause of black stool is the abuse of alcoholic beverages, as well as taking certain medications and narcotic substances which contribute to the development of esophageal bleeding. Such medications include:

ibuprofen:
acetaminophen;
aspirin;
other non-steroidal drugs, the action of which is aimed at relieving inflammatory processes.

As for diseases that may have black stool as a symptom, these include:

gastritis;
colon cancer;
duodenal ulcer (in the small intestine area);
stomach ulcer;
tumor neoplasms in the upper gastrointestinal tract;
inflammation of the inner walls of the stomach.

In conclusion, it is necessary to recall once again that if changes in the color of stool are detected, it is recommended to immediately seek medical help. A qualified specialist will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe competent treatment. Be healthy!

Photo: Simon Aughton Follow

A person's health status can be determined by a large number of factors. General health, appearance, the presence of pain and other features play a big role in making a diagnosis. But few people pay attention to the color of excrement. Let's look at the reasons why yellow stool may appear, what causes this phenomenon, and how to get rid of it.

Light yellow stools do not always indicate the presence of any pathological changes in the human body.

Let's look at why stool is light yellow:

If a person’s diet is dominated by carrots, melon, persimmons and other fruits and vegetables that contain carotene, orange stools may appear;
if fermentation processes occur in the intestines, they provoke yellow feces;
For some, this occurs from dairy products;
if a person eats a large amount of peas;
with hormonal imbalance it is yellowish;
stress, anxiety, depression;
when taking certain pharmacological drugs.

On a note! Perhaps at first glance these reasons seem harmless. But it is best to visit a therapist, especially if an adult regularly has yellow stools.

Yellow color of feces: what ailments does it usually indicate?

In some cases, yellow stool is a symptom of quite serious illnesses. Let's take a closer look at them.

On a note! Yellow feces in babies indicate more a short time transit of incoming food through the gastrointestinal tract. The excrement of small children often changes color - this is normal. But, if parents notice poop with mucus or blood, this may indicate the presence of a pathology, so you need to contact your pediatrician as soon as possible.

Treatment of symptoms

Yellow stool is the most important signal that there are problems with internal organs. If you ignore such external manifestations, That general state the patient may deteriorate significantly. That is why it is extremely important to promptly contact a specialist for qualified help.

If yellow feces are detected in an adult, then a competent specialist is obliged to provide an individual approach. Therapy is usually associated with the use of pharmacological drugs; if they are correctly selected, then yellow stool will no longer be a problem.

So, treatment can be aimed at solving the following problems:

Normalization of digestion;
restoration of pancreatic and liver function;
normalizing metabolism through a strict diet;
activation of the pancreas.

Orange stool can often indicate that there are serious pathologies in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, you should not hesitate; it is best to contact a qualified specialist who will correct the situation.

On a note! Feces during pregnancy may be yellow due to the special taste preferences of the expectant mother, as well as excessive consumption of vitamins.

If the case is very advanced, that is, the patient has not paid attention to the fact that the stool is orange for a long time, surgical intervention may be required. Of course, in this case, other symptoms will be present - nausea, vomiting, pain in the epigastric area, etc.

But it is worth noting that most diseases that cause orange stool can be cured with correctly selected therapeutic treatment:

Specially selected course medicines;
procedures;
strict diet.

Orange feces often indicate diseases of the pancreas. For example, if there is more fatty food in the diet and the body reacts this way, this indicates that the body does not secrete enough enzymes to break down fats.

In this case, yellow mucus may be present in the stool of an adult. In any case, make a correct diagnosis, prescribe effective treatment only a doctor can. Therefore, there is no need to delay your visit.

Loose stools (diarrhea)

Watery diarrhea is not the best feeling a person can experience when dealing with an intestinal disorder. Diarrhea can bother the patient throughout the day, but its manifestation with shades of light yellow stool is possible for reasons such as:

consuming large amounts of milk or products prepared on its basis (sour cream, kefir, yogurt, cottage cheese, yogurt, fermented baked milk), but the person did not pay attention to this aspect and expected that the feces would have the same color;
the first stage of hepatitis or the onset of liver cirrhosis (severe viral disease, which provokes a gradual disintegration of the tissues of a given digestive organ due to the systematic death of its cells under the influence of the pathogenic activity of viral microorganisms);
acute or chronic failure pancreas (in this case, its tissues do not secrete the required volume of enzymes involved in the process of digestion and assimilation of consumed food, which leads to stool losing its previous dark color);
pathologies of the large intestine associated with inflammation of the mucous membrane, obstruction, helminthic infestation or other diseases when this organ simply does not ensure proper digestion of food;
dysbacteriosis with a predominance of pathogenic microflora, which also has a great influence on the formation of the color shade of feces (quite often this reason is present in adults who have taken potent antibiotics or chemicals for a long period of time, which has caused the destruction of beneficial bacteria).

The individual characteristics of the digestive system of each person are of great importance.

It is quite possible that some people will have the indicated reasons for the development of a painful state of the gastrointestinal tract, but at the same time they are not diagnosed with signs of diarrhea, but only changes in the color shade of the stool.

Normal shape

The absence of pathological symptoms in terms of the consistency of stool means that an adult defecates with plastic feces that do not have signs of compressed fragments or balls and at the same time are not so liquid as to diagnose diarrhea.

At normal stool It is also possible that light-colored stool may appear, which means the possible presence of the following ailments:

In some cases, the cause of lightened stools may be due to increased level blood glucose. Therefore, adults who have close blood relatives suffering from diabetes mellitus, must be reversed increased attention on this symptom and take a clinical blood test from a finger prick to rule out suspicions that you have of this disease.

What to do, which doctor to go to and what tests to take?

After discovering stool that is bright in color or rich in color, light color, every adult should, without wasting time, make an appointment with a gastroenterologist to undergo comprehensive survey body and directly the organs of the digestive system. If a specialist of this profile is not available in the clinic, then in this case his job responsibilities performed by a general practitioner. The doctor will see the patient, palpate the surface of the abdomen, and try to detect possible lesions inflammatory process inside the abdominal cavity.

After this, based on the patient’s complaints, the doctor prescribes the following mandatory types of tests and passing diagnostic measures, the results of which are significant in the selection of a therapeutic course:

At the same time, a separate blood test for hormones is performed. It is very important that their ratio is balanced, since a decrease in the secretory activity of the glands of the endocrine system or their sharp increase can also cause a change in the color of the stool.

In particularly complex clinical cases, the patient is prescribed an MRI in order to learn in more detail about the causes of disorders in the functioning of the organs of the digestive system and accordingly formulate effective scheme treatment.

Prevention

In order to never encounter the indicated symptoms associated with lightening of the stool, care should be taken to eliminate the causative factors that contribute to the appearance of light yellow stool in people of the adult age group. To do this, it is recommended to perform the following preventive measures daily:

These simple rules are the key to stability in the functioning of the human gastrointestinal tract and at the same time prevent the occurrence of the causes of such an unpleasant and painful symptom as light yellow feces, released in liquid or normal form.

About the status human body can be judged from many data. These are the results of laboratory and instrumental studies, Availability pain or their absence, appearance and even behavior.

Can the color of stool indicate something? Of course, and to a large extent. After all, bowel movements, depending on any diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and other internal organs, can change not only the color, but also the consistency, as well as the frequency of appearance.

People often wonder: what does yellow feces mean in an adult? Is it a sign of pathology or a completely acceptable manifestation? To understand what a change in stool indicates, it is advisable to find out why it occurs.

What affects the color of feces

The coloring of stool in different shades depends on bilirubin, one of the components of bile. The release of this substance occurs directly from the liver, from where it is bile ducts enters the large intestine. Digestion of food is facilitated by pancreatic enzymes, and bilirubin gives feces different shades of brown.

The liver is involved in the process of coloring stool, gallbladder, digestive system, as well as the pancreas. Without the influence of pancreatic enzymes, the digestion process is practically impossible.

Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract indicates not only dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, but also a malfunction in many internal organs.

Normal coloring

The color of healthy stool is brown. However, depending on the food consumed, its shades are also possible:

Dark brown color is standard in a normal diet. It is observed when meat dishes predominate in the diet.
A light shade of brown is a characteristic color when consuming large amounts of plant-based foods. Introducing protein-rich foods into the diet normalizes color.
Yellow stools with an orange tint are a common occurrence when consuming mainly dairy products.

Oddly enough, the shades of stool can tell a lot about the state of the body.

What diseases does pigment deficiency indicate?

The appearance of greenish, clayey, grayish stool is a reason to conduct a series of tests in order to exclude serious diseases.

So, black stool is a sign internal bleeding or stagnant processes in the intestines. Other examples:

A yellowish tint indicates pathological lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, the likelihood of intestinal infections or about severe liver disease - hepatitis.
Very light-colored stools indicate pancreatic dysfunction, and pancreatitis is possible. It is necessary to exclude the presence of diabetes mellitus and even oncological processes both in the gland and in other organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
Pale yellow stool indicates unstable production of bilirubin by the liver or narrowing of the bile ducts.

There may be a temporary change in color variations in the postoperative period associated with surgical intervention into the digestive organs.

Reasons for changes

Variations in the color of stool depend on many reasons. It should be noted that their yellow coloring in an adult is fundamentally different from the process in children, especially in the infant period.

In babies, the diet mainly consists of dairy products, which is why light-colored feces appear. In adults, yellow stool is not always normal. More often he talks about any disturbances in the functioning of organs and systems.

In some cases, yellow stool in adults is also the result of excessive consumption of dairy products. But with a change in nutrition, their typical coloring should also be restored.. If the color does not return to normal, you should consult a doctor to find out the reason.

The most common provocateurs of changes in shade are:

food products, especially fatty foods;
medications used uncontrollably in large quantities;
alcohol abuse.

This disorder can be easily removed by changing your attitude to nutrition, taking medications and alcoholic beverages.

More serious factors of deviation from the norm

The human body has a unique chain of interconnected processes.

Disruption of the activity of one of its links entails a number of pathological changes. This situation is also observed when the color of waste products of the human body changes.

Most common reasons Dysfunction of the pancreas, liver, digestive system in general and its individual parts in particular become similar. Here are the main reasons:

Violation of intestinal motility and peristalsis, metabolism.
Insufficient amount of pancreatic enzymes of the gland. This results in the stomach being unable to digest foods, especially if the food is too fatty, fried or spicy. In this case, the stool shows various shades of yellow, which indicates problems with digestion.
Failure of the liver and gall bladder. When the process of bile outflow is disrupted, the stool becomes golden yellow. Lightening of its mass occurs as a result of the excretion of bilirubin in an unchanged form, which loses the ability to give feces an intense color. You should pay attention to the fact that there is a significant change in the color of urine. It becomes overly saturated. This indicates serious organ diseases.
Crohn's disease. The main danger of the disease lies in the simultaneous development of a pathological process affecting all digestive organs. The intestines are attacked more than other organs.
Infectious diseases (hepatitis).
Dysbacteriosis.

A special place is given stomach flu. It is considered a disease of dirty hands and the result of non-compliance with cooking rules. Poorly processed vegetables and fruits are the most common carriers of infection.

Yellow feces with an atypical consistency and odor are an indication for immediate identification of the causes of its appearance. A qualified doctor must conduct laboratory and instrumental studies.

Symptoms

If the problem is temporary, it may be caused by poor nutrition. In this case, you should simply refuse junk food.

However, persistence of lack of stool coloration for several days should be a signal to immediately visit a doctor, especially if it is accompanied by symptoms such as:

acute abdominal pain;
heat;
sudden weight loss;
nausea, vomiting;
sour belching;

Such manifestations are signs of serious diseases and, if not treated in a timely manner, can lead to irreversible consequences.

What does yellow stool without pain indicate?

Such changes occur most often when consuming certain foods. Among them:

apples, carrots, oranges, dried apricots, melon;
milk and dairy products;
beans, peas.

Significant changes in the color of stool also provoke:

inability to digest gluten;
hormonal disorders;
stress;
depression;
taking certain medications - antibiotics, vitamins, contraceptives.

In order to exclude possible serious diseases, it is advisable to undergo an examination to identify true reasons changes in the color of stool.

Occurrence of problems during pregnancy

Significant restructuring of a woman’s body during the period of bearing a child affects the condition of all her organs and systems, and digestion. Often this manifests itself precisely in the unusual color of stool. The reasons for it are:

changes in hormonal levels (stool becomes bright or, conversely, pale yellow);
consumption of dairy products (feces become lightened);
usage vitamin complexes and other medications (various shades are possible).

A more dangerous factor in changes in the type of bowel movements during pregnancy is the exacerbation of existing pathologies.

Yellow stool due to diarrhea

If your stool is yellow during short-term diarrhea, you should not worry too much. But prolonged diarrhea with such a shade of feces poses a serious threat to the health of an adult. It can cause:

dehydration of the body;
exhaustion;
hypovitaminosis.

The presence of liquid yellow stool indicates the possibility of developing the following: pathological conditions: hepatitis, colitis, gastritis, dysbacteriosis, liver cirrhosis, peptic ulcer.

Causes of yellow stool during poisoning

Due to intoxication caused by bacteria, poisonous plants or chemicals, irritation of the intestinal mucosa occurs.

This leads to the formation of mucus on its surface, which prevents the absorption of excess fluid. The violation provokes diarrhea of yellow color, foamy masses with a foul odor.

What measures should be taken

As first aid for acute course diarrhea and poisoning it is necessary:

Empty the stomach of its contents.
Eliminate food consumption.
Take medications that restore and support intestinal microflora.

The stomach can be cleansed by rinsing with warm boiled water. Then take several tablets of activated carbon (at the rate of 1 piece per 10 kg of patient weight).

If a microbial provocateur of intoxication is detected, antibacterial agents are used. The dosage and duration of administration are determined by the doctor.

For preventive purposes, on the advice of a gastroenterologist, in case of recurring diarrhea, you can take Linex, Bificol, Lactobacterin.

An important place in restoring intestinal activity is given to following a gentle diet.

How to get rid of the problem

To normalize the color of stool, it is necessary to adjust the diet and exclude foods that provoke negative changes from the diet.

It should be noted that a special course of treatment is required only if the lack of pigmentation in the feces of an adult patient is caused by the diseases listed above.

Drug treatment is aimed at eliminating the root causes of diseases. The functions of the liver, gall bladder, intestines, and pancreas are restored.

As already mentioned, great importance is given to compliance dietary nutrition, promoting effective recovery of affected organs.

Surgical treatment is indicated only in cases of cancer of organs.

To prevent the unusual color of stool from becoming commonplace and leading to painful conditions, it is necessary to ensure the right approach to food, lead healthy image life, avoid stressful situations and follow the recommendations of doctors.