When we talk about intestinal health, the shape or frequency of stool often attracts all the attention. However, their color is just as important to observe. If the colors range from dark brown to light brown, frankly pale or whitish stools can arouse suspicion. According to Dr. Thierry Higuero, gastroenterologist, this may indicate a biliary, hepatic or pancreatic problem. In some cases, it is imperative to consult quickly.
Why are your stool normally brown?
The brown shade of the stool is due to stercobiline, a pigment from the transformation of bilirubin by intestinal bacteria. This bilirubin comes from the degradation of red blood cells. Bile here plays a major role, by transporting these pigments to the intestines. If the bile flow is disturbed, the color of the stool can then be changed.
When the clear stools become an alert signal
Lighter stools can sometimes result from a food change or an episode of diarrhea, without gravity. But if this discoloration persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it can be a more serious disorder. In the absence of stercobiline, the stools become white. “”White stools putty colored are the symptom of an obstacle to the flow of bile in the duodenum, which is the first segment of the small intestine“Explains Dr. Higuero.
The causes of this obstruction can be diverse: calculations in the bile ducts, hepatitis or tumor, including pancreatic or bile ducts. In this case, other signs may appear as a jaundice. “”If the bile does not flow well in the digestive tract, it will reflect in the blood. This will cause jaundice, more commonly known as jaundice, which corresponds to a yellow or yellowish coloring of the conjunctive then skin“, Specifies the specialist. We can also observe very dark urine.
Other signs not to be overlooked
“”Generally when the stools are clear, the obstruction of the bile ducts is progressive and not brutal and complete. A blood test must be carried out to search for cholestasis and ultrasound is made to confirm the obstacle and locate it. MRI and a pancreas scanner may possibly be necessary in the event of suspicion of bile duct tumor“, Details Dr. Higuero.
In the case of pancreatic insufficiency, other symptoms are often present: abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, weight loss. In infants, very pale stools or mavic gray can be a sign of neonatal cholestasis, a rare disease to take care of without delay, especially if a jaundice persists beyond two weeks.
The presence of mucus can also give a clearer appearance to the stool. This thick mucus, normally secreted by the colon to protect the walls, is without gravity if it is observed punctually. On the other hand, if it becomes frequent or is accompanied by fatigue, abdominal pain, weight loss or blood presence, medical consultation is recommended.
In what cases what really worry about clear stools?
It is advisable to consult a health professional if the stools remain pale for several days, especially if they are associated with other signs such as jaundice, dark urine, pain or unusual fatigue. A simple food imbalance or an episode of diarrhea can sometimes be at the origin, but a persistent abnormal coloring always deserves a complete medical assessment, with blood tests, ultrasound or pancreatic imaging if necessary.