Diagnosis of green stool in the baby

The diagnosis of green stool in babies starts with the most important step: the doctor-patient consultation. During this discussion, the doctor asks the parents about the typical symptoms and triggers of green bowel movements so that many clues can be uncovered as to the possible causes of the symptoms. This is followed by a physical examination, in which the abdomen in particular should be palpated.

Inspecting the diaper area is also part of the physical examination. The same applies to the examination for other symptoms of infection or teething. The baby’s weight should also be taken into account. If one suspects a pathological cause of the green bowel movement, further diagnostic steps can be taken, but this is usually not necessary. This topic might also be of interest to you:

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Symptoms of abnormal green bowel movements

Green stool in children is suspicious especially if it occurs suddenly and no immediate cause can be found. Some babies usually have green bowel movements and no other symptoms of the disease. This suggests that green bowel movements are perfectly normal in these children.

However, if green stools occur at the same time as other symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting or even fever, tiredness and restlessness in the baby, this is indicative of a pathological discoloration of the stools. If the stool changes due to medication such as antibiotics, the greenish color is not normal, but this is more an expected side effect than a pathological change. In contrast, greenish stool in combination with diarrhea, vomiting and loss of appetite is an indication of a gastrointestinal infection in the child.

In the case of changes in bowel movements, it should always be clarified whether the affected baby is eating enough food and drinking enough fluids. This can best be controlled by weight. For example, a green bowel movement in the baby in connection with weight loss or stagnant weight tends to be pathological.

If weight continues to gain, there is usually no need to worry despite the discoloration. Diarrhea is characterized by the fact that both the consistency and frequency of bowel movements are altered. For example, diarrhea is usually accompanied by thinner stools and a marked increase in the frequency of bowel movements.

Diarrhea is often caused by a changed composition of the naturally occurring bacteria in the intestine. This can be caused by antibiotics as well as by a gastrointestinal infection with viruses or bacteria. In addition to the increased frequency of bowel movements and the liquefaction of the stool, it often becomes slightly greenish.

Slimy diarrhea usually indicates that the food pulp has not been completely digested. This not only causes the slimy consistency of the diarrhea but also leads to a greenish discoloration. The most common cause in babies for such a change in bowel movement is salivation. A lot of saliva gets into the digestive tract with the food, which means that the intestinal bacteria are less able to break down the food pulp. As a result, babies end up excreting only half-digested stools, which also contain a large amount of saliva.