
What Caues Green Cloured Stool?

Problem with food digestion
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Green feces is a condition in which the feces have a green coloring or tint. Green stool can also be caused by taking iron supplements or eating certain foods such as green leafy vegetables. Green stool can also indicate a problem with food digestion due to a disease, disorder or other abnormal process.
The normal color of stool or feces is generally light to dark brown. Stool gets its color from bile, which is a yellow-green fluid produced in the liver that helps to digest your food. As food passes through your digestive tract, digestive enzymes break down the bile, resulting in various shades of brown stool. When a disease or condition causes diarrhea, food passes through the digestive tract rapidly, and stools may be green because digestive enzymes did not have time to turn the stool brown.
In most cases, you will not need to seek medical attention for your discolored stool. However, if you experience dark green stool for several days, your stool appears to have mucus or blood in the stool, or the stool is very watery then you may need to seek medical attention. Severe conditions may also be accompanied by rectal pain, bouts of constipation, gassiness, fever, indigestion or loss of appetite.
If you require medical intervention for your dark green stool, your doctor will perform a number of tests to determine the cause of the problem. Your doctor will usually ask for a stool sample to check for bacteria or contaminants which may be affecting your digestive system. Blood tests may also be necessary to determine if you are suffering from an infection. If your symptoms are severe you may require an X-ray or a colonoscopy to help determine if you are suffering from an ongoing condition such as IBS. Screening for colorectal cancer starts at the age of 50y and you are the right candidate for FOBT testing and if it is positive then you will need colonoscopy.
When you are suffering from any type of discoloration in your stool it is important to stay hydrated. This will help your body return to your normal bowel habit more quickly. It will also help ensure that you do not become dehydrated or ill during your illness. If your symptoms are ongoing your doctor may recommend changes in your diet to help alleviate your discomfort. Medication may also be necessary if you are suffering from a bacterial infection or digestive disorder that is causing ongoing discomfort.
Hope i have answered your query.
Regards
DR De

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