Stools - Unusual Color
Stools - Unusual Color
Does this describe your child's symptoms? |
Definition
Causes
Clues to Unusual Stool Colors Red:
Black:
Green:
White Or Light Gray:
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If not, see these topics
First Aid:
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When to Call Your Doctor |
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If |
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Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If |
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Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If |
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Parent Care at Home If |
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR STOOLS - UNUSUAL COLOR |
Reassurance:
Unusual colors of the stool are almost always due to food coloring.
The only colors that may relate to disease are red, black and white.
All other colors are not due to a medical problem.
Green Stools:
Green color of the stools is always normal and usually caused by bile.
Green stools are more common in formula fed than breast fed infants, but normal with both.
Green stools are more common with diarrhea (rapid transit time), but also seen with formed stools.
If you think it's due to iron medication, be sure your child is not taking too much.
Avoid: Eliminate the suspected food or drink from the diet. The unusual color should disappear.
Sample: For persistent unusual color, bring in a stool sample for testing. Keep it in the refrigerator until you leave.
Call Your Doctor If:
Unexplained color persists over 24 hours
Suspected food is eliminated and the abnormal color persists over 48 hours
Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
Updated:  
March 22, 2017