Light-colored stools may or may not be caused by an underlying medical condition. The coloration of stool is often dependent on food and can sometimes be slightly lighter than usual. However, if the stool is permanently light in color, a doctor should be consulted.
What is light-colored stool?
Light-colored stools indicate either the absence of bile pigments or the presence of light-colored stool components. Light-colored stools indicate either the absence of bile pigments or the presence of light-colored stool components. The dark red coloration of stool is produced by a breakdown product of hemoglobin called stercobilin. As an intermediate product of hemoglobin degradation, bilirubin is first formed, which is converted to its water-soluble form in the liver and released as bile pigment into the intestine via the bile. In the intestine, the bile pigment is broken down into stercobilin. Stool coloration is therefore also dependent on certain foods, among other factors. For example, meat rich in hemoglobin produces a particularly dark red coloration, whereas the stool is often not so dark in vegetarian diets. A true deficiency of stercobilin and, to some extent, the presence of light-colored components in the stool often indicates health disorders or even more serious diseases. Therefore, a permanent light-colored stool always requires a medical examination.
Causes
The causes of light-colored stools are varied and can be both harmless and more serious. Even mild diarrhea often causes light-colored stools because the rapid intestinal passage allows only a small amount of bile pigments to enter the stool. In addition, there may be inflammatory swelling at the exit of the bile ducts, which often prevents normal bile drainage into the intestine. Disturbances of bile flow into the intestine due to obstruction of the bile ducts in gallstones, stenosis and tumors often produce white to grayish-white so-called ancholic stools. Bile production may be impaired in the course of liver diseases. For example, infectious liver diseases (all types of hepatitis) and liver damage caused by alcohol and drug abuse lead to white stools, dark urine and yellowing of the skin, the typical symptoms of jaundice. In this case, the bile pigment is no longer excreted through the intestines, but enters the blood and urine. Diseases of the pancreas often disturb the digestion of fats, so that fatty light-colored stools may occur. Furthermore, intestinal infections often form foci of pus, which sometimes cause light-colored stools.
Diseases with this symptom
- Biliary colic
- Gallstones
- Drug allergy
- Fatty stool
- Liver disease
- Hepatitis
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Anemia
- Pancreatic cancer
Diagnosis and course
Pale stools are not a disease, but may be a symptom of an underlying condition. If chronic stool changes occur, it is essential to consult the doctor. The physician can often already make a tentative diagnosis when taking a medical history. It is important for him to know what other symptoms the patient complains of. Simultaneous darkening of the urine and yellowing of the skin indicates jaundice, which can be caused by liver or bile diseases. Furthermore, the physician will clarify what medications the patient is taking and whether there is any alcohol abuse. If liver disease is suspected, blood tests will be performed to determine liver enzymes and any hepatitis viruses that may be present. Stool tests may provide evidence of bacterial bowel disease or pancreatitis. The use of imaging techniques, such as X-rays, MRIs, or colonoscopies, round out the investigations into the causes of light-colored stools.
Complications
The color, consistency, and frequency of bowel movements may change. We do not observe bowel movements in this country as intensively as other peoples and cultures do, most of whom also live in closer association with nature. Light-colored bowel movements can indicate many things, which can be quite harmless, but sometimes need our attention.Initially, it may indicate a diet too rich in fat, which does not immediately lead to further symptoms and complications, but in the long term can have a significant impact on our health. These include, for example, coronary heart disease, obesity with all its consequences, and also a dull, listless feeling in everyday life. Light-colored stools also occur in a number of gastrointestinal diseases, including chronic manifestations. It is often one of the first symptoms, but even if there are other signs besides light-colored stools, it is not always immediately recognized that a problem exists. Other pathological causes that may be behind light-colored stools include various forms of hepatitis, intestinal tumors in early to late stages, gallstones, or pancreatitis. Even diarrhea with light-colored stools can have pathological causes that require closer examination by a physician if the diarrhea occurs frequently. With occasional careful observation of bowel movements, many diseases could be detected early and treated well.
When should you go to the doctor?
Light-colored bowel movements may be a temporary symptom of a change in diet, or they may be a sign of a condition that requires treatment by a doctor. When to see a doctor with light-colored stools depends in particular on the duration and severity of the symptoms. The first step is to observe and analyze eating habits. Those who eat little meat, many dairy products and plenty of fiber may be able to explain the light color of the stool with their diet. If further symptoms occur, such as foul-smelling urine, abdominal pain or blood in the stool, a doctor must be consulted immediately. In such cases, it is usually a disease that requires therapy. Long-lasting light-colored stool, even without secondary complaints, should also be medically clarified. Moreover, the exact coloration must be differentiated: A colorless, grayish-white stool may be a symbol of a serious disease, such as a tumor or gallstones. A pale yellow, on the other hand, may be explained by medication use or a diarrheal illness.
Treatment and therapy
Therapy for light-colored stools depends on the particular cause. If the phenomenon occurs only for a short time, no treatment is necessary. In this case, the cause may be a brief intestinal infection or just the intake of light-colored medications, such as antibiotics or magnesium supplements. Certain foods with a high fiber content are also able to make the stool appear somewhat lighter. Liver diseases must be treated in a differentiated manner according to their cause. For example, some forms of hepatitis heal on their own. The decisive factor here, however, is physical rest. In the case of chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C, antiviral agents such as interferon are administered. Gallstones often have to be removed by surgery. Intestinal infections are treatable by administration of antibiotics. In the case of unclear intestinal and pancreatic diseases, further research must be carried out to find the cause. It is possible that the symptoms here are caused by autoimmune diseases, which would require appropriate drug treatment with immunosuppressants. Sometimes, however, a long-term change in diet is sufficient to effectively combat the digestive disorders causing the light-colored stools.
Outlook and prognosis
Light-colored stools are not always a sign of disease. Often, changes in color and consistency are due to innocuous causes such as diet or antibiotic use. Infants may develop light-colored stools for no apparent reason. If treatment is required, the prognosis depends on the cause and the patient’s constitution. Gastrointestinal disorders can usually be treated without major complications, which should return the stool to its original color. First and foremost is a change in dietary habits, in conjunction with sufficient physical exercise. This will naturally regulate the intestinal flora and the stool will return to its normal color. If the light-colored stool is caused by a disease of the gall bladder, intestinal rehabilitation can alleviate the symptoms. If left untreated, light-colored stools can cause complications.For example, a protracted infectious disease can lead to dehydration, anemia and other complaints, which sometimes also worsen the general prospects of recovery. Rarely, a chronic intestinal disease develops, the treatment of which may take months or years. In general, however, the prognosis for light-colored stools is positive.
Prevention
Depending on the cause, there are ways to prevent light-colored stools. A healthy diet can prevent many digestive problems. Alcohol and drug abuse should be avoided to prevent liver damage. Severe intestinal infections can be significantly limited by general hygiene measures, such as washing hands after using public restrooms. However, there are also causes of light-colored stools that cannot be prevented by preventive measures.
This is what you can do yourself
Various home remedies and measures can help with light-colored stools. If the altered stool is due to a gastrointestinal disorder, warmth is recommended, for example in the form of a cherry pit cushion or a hot water bottle. Herbal teas with chamomile or sage soothe the irritated bowel and promote blood circulation in the body. In general, a change in bowel movements should be accompanied by a balanced and healthy diet. Fatty or spicy food should be avoided, as well as alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. Dry bread and ginger (grated or as tea) regulate bowel behavior and restore the natural stool color. It is also possible that light-colored stools are caused by a certain medication or by a distinctive herbal diet – treatment is not always necessary in this case. However, if flatulence or severe pain in the lower abdomen occurs, a doctor should be consulted. Accompanying this, a walk in the fresh air can stimulate digestion and thus alleviate the discomfort. For abdominal cramps and pain during bowel movements, antispasmodics are helpful. For example, poultices with sweet clover or potatoes as well as applications with cowslip and poppy or passion flower and Roman chamomile have proven effective. If the light-colored stools persist for several days, a doctor should be consulted. Gallstones or another serious cause may be present that requires medical treatment.
