| Abnormal-looking stool | 4.00000000000000 | Abnormal-looking stool | Abnormal-looking stool | A | English | Gastrointestinal | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Large Intestine/Colon | Large intestine;Rectum | Conditions and diseases | Adult (19+) | NA | | 2023-03-30T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 6.90000000000000 | 66.2000000000000 | 589.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>An easy-to-understand overview of the signs, symptoms and medical options for children with unusual feces.</p> | <h2>What causes changes in the appearance of stool?</h2><p>Breastfed babies usually produce a mustard-yellow coloured stool. They may also produce green, runny stool. This is normal. It should not be a concern.</p><p>Most changes in a child's stool (feces) are due to a change in diet. Changes in diet may cause changes in:</p><ul><li>colour</li><li>smell</li><li>consistency</li><li>amount of stool</li></ul><p>Many medicines can affect what stool looks like. If your baby or child is taking medication, ask your pharmacist if you should expect a change in stool. Some changes that last more than a few days may require medical attention.</p> | <h2>Types of abnormal-looking stool</h2><h3>Brightly coloured stool</h3><p>In older babies and children, green, runny stool can be a sign of
<a href="/article?contentid=907&language=english">gastroenteritis</a>. This is also called "stomach flu". Your child may need to see a doctor.</p><h3>Pale stool</h3><p>Whitish, light-coloured stool may be a sign of a bile duct blockage in the liver.</p><p>If your child has pale stool with yellowish skin and eyes, or dark urine, they may have liver disease, such as gallstones or
<a href="/article?contentid=819&language=english">a liver infection (viral hepatitis)</a>. Babies with pale stool may have a structural problem in the liver called <a href="/article?contentid=4149&language=english">biliary atresia</a>. Seek medical attention right away.</p><h3>Fatty stools</h3><p>Floating and foul-smelling stools can be a sign of malabsorption. Malabsorption is when the digestive system does not absorb nutrients adequately. It may occur if your child has intolerance to, a digestive problem with or an allergy to a certain food.</p><h3>Bloody stool</h3><p>Small amounts of fresh blood are common in children who are constipated and straining when passing stool.</p><p>Bloody, slimy or mucusy stool may be a sign of infection. It may also mean inflammation of the large intestine or rectum. Children with bloody stool may have an
<a href="/article?contentid=/article?contentid=7&language=english">infection</a> or
<a href="/article?contentid=821&language=english">inflammatory bowel disease</a>. </p><p>If your baby or child's stool has a red, jelly-like appearance, see a doctor right away. Make sure to tell your doctor if your child also has severe stomach pain and a pale complexion. This type of stool may be caused by intestinal obstruction.</p> | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Most changes in stool are due to a change in diet.</li><li>Runny green or mustard-coloured stool is common in breastfed babies.</li><li>Pale stool accompanied by yellowish skin and eyes or dark urine may indicate a liver problem. Seek medical attention right away.</li><li>Red and jelly-like stool is an emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department. Do not give your child anything to eat or drink until they are seen by a doctor.</li><li>Small amounts of blood lining the stool are common in children who are constipated. This is not an emergency.</li></ul> | | | | | | | | | | <h2>When to see a doctor</h2>
<p><strong>Make an appointment with your child's doctor if:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>your child seems sick and the stool does not return to its normal colour in a few days</li>
<li>your child has blood in the stool and constipation is not the reason</li>
<li>your child's stool continues to be very pale</li>
<li>your baby has green, runny stool and seems sick with other symptoms</li>
<li>your child's stool is an abnormal colour after taking medication<br></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>See a doctor right away, or go to the nearest Emergency Department, if:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>your baby or child has red and jelly-like stool. Do not give your child anything to eat or drink until they are seen by a doctor<br></li>
<li>your child has pale stool and yellowish skin or yellowish whites of the eyes</li>
<li>your child has dark urine (brown or black in colour)<br></li>
</ul>
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