Oct 10, 2024 · Stool comes in a range of colors. All shades of brown and even green are considered typical. Only rarely does stool color indicate a possibly serious intestinal condition. Stool color is generally influenced by what you eat as well as by the amount of bile — a yellow-green fluid that digests fats — in your stool.

Jan 18, 2025 · Diarrhea — loose, watery and possibly more-frequent passage of stool — is a common problem. Sometimes, it's the only symptom of a condition. At other times, it may be associated with other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or weight loss. Luckily, diarrhea is usually short-lived, lasting no more than a few days.

Apr 15, 2025 · Constipation is a problem with passing stool. Constipation generally means passing fewer than three stools a week or having a difficult time passing stool. Constipation is fairly common. A lack of dietary fiber, fluids and exercise can cause constipation. But other medical conditions or certain medicines may be the cause.

Nov 27, 2024 · Loose or watery stool that quickly fills the rectum and is difficult to hold. Large, hard stool that blocks the rectum and results in leakage of softer stool around it. Damaged or weakened muscles. The muscles of the anus, rectum and pelvic floor control the holding and passing of stool. Damaged or weak muscles can cause fecal incontinence.

Oct 12, 2023 · Undigested food in stool isn't a problem unless it occurs with lasting diarrhea, weight loss or other changes in your bowel habits. If you have such signs and symptoms, talk to your health care provider.

Jan 18, 2025 · Stool test. You may have a stool test to see if a bacterium or parasite is causing your diarrhea. Hydrogen breath test. This type of test can help determine if you have a lactose intolerance. After you drink a liquid that contains high levels of lactose, your breath is measured for hydrogen at regular intervals.

Mar 6, 2025 · Stool softeners are generally considered safe during pregnancy. Pregnancy constipation, defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week, can be uncomfortable. Constipation is common in pregnancy. Stool softeners, such as docusate sodium (Colace) and docusate calcium (Surfak), moisten the stool and make it easier to pass.

Nov 28, 2023 · White stool isn't typical. If you have white stool, you should see a medical professional right away. A lack of bile causes white or clay-like stool. That may mean a serious underlying problem. Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.

Jan 11, 2024 · Check with a healthcare professional if you notice any changes in the appearance of your stool that last longer than 1 to 2 weeks. Get medical help right away if your bowel changes happen with rectal bleeding or severe belly pain.

Oct 13, 2023 · Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a sign of a disorder in the digestive tract. The blood often shows up in stool or vomit but isn't always obvious. Stool may look black or tarry. Bleeding can range from mild to severe and can be life-threatening. Imaging technology or an endoscopic investigation can usually locate the cause of the bleeding.