for doctors, it's a bit gross?

Question

What does it mean if your... waste product... that isn't usually liquid... that's released in the bathroom... is greenish? darkish? really light yellowish brown? Once there was what looked like blood, how bout that?

Answer 1

The color of your stools usually indicate the foods you consumed. A lot of green and leafy vegetables such as spinach which is a good source of iron might make your stools look greenish. Really light yellowish brownish stools esp during diarrhea might indicate bile- thus partially digested foods esp foods rich in roughage and high fiber. The normal color of stools is supposed to be dark brown (steatorrhea). In other words, there is complete digestion and absorption.


Another factor that would affect the color of your stools would be meds that you take. such as vitamins and minerals such as folic acid or iron pills. In this case, do not be alarmed, when it appears to be blackish; as this is not blood.


Bloody stools might indicate the following:
If it's bright or frank red, that means it indicate lower GI bleeding such as from hemorrhoids. If it's dark red or melemna as it's called then, the source of bleeding might be from upper GI bleeding disorders such as esophageal varices, ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis to name a few - which indicate that digestion has occurred .


It's a good thing that you are observant as to the color of your stools. Happy elimination!.

Additional info:

Bloody, tarry stools

Alternative names

Stools - bloody; Hematochezia; Melemna; Stools - black or tarry

Definition

Bloody stools often indicate an injury or disorder in the digestive tract. Your doctor may use the term "melemna" to describe black, tarry, and foul-smelling stools or "hematochezia" to describe red- or maroon-colored stools.

Considerations

Blood in the stool may come from anywhere along your digestive tract, from mouth to anus. It may be present in such small amounts that you cannot actually see it, but is only detectable by a fecal occult blood test. When there IS enough blood to change the appearance of your stools, the doctor will want to know the exact color to help find the site of bleeding. To make a diagnosis, your doctor may use endoscopy or special x-ray studies.


A black stool usually means that the blood is coming from the upper part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This includes the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. Blood will typically look like tar after it has been exposed to the body's digestive juices. Stomach ulcers caused by ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin are common causes of upper GI bleeding.


Maroon-colored stools or bright red blood usually suggest that the blood is coming from the lower part of the GI tract (large bowel or rectum). Hemorrhoids and diverticulitis (inflammation of an abnormal pouch in the colon) are the most common causes of lower GI bleeding. However, sometimes massive or rapid bleeding in the stomach causes bright red stools.

Consuming black licorice, lead, iron pills, bismuth medicines like Pepto-Bismol, or blueberries can also cause black stools. Beets and tomatoes can sometimes make stools appear reddish. In these cases, your doctor can test the stool with a chemical to rule out the presence of blood.


Brisk bleeding in the esophagus or stomach (such as with peptic ulcer disease), can also cause you to vomit blood.

Common Causes

Upper GI tract (usually black stools):

Bleeding stomach or duodenal ulcer
Gastritis
Esophageal varices
Mallory-Weiss tear (a tear in the esophagus from violent vomiting)
Trauma or foreign body
Bowel ischemia (a lack of proper blood flow to the intestines)
Vascular malformation


Lower GI tract (usually maroon or bright red, bloody stools):

Hemorrhoids
Anal fissures
Diverticular bleeding
Intestinal infection (such as bacterial enterocolitis)
Vascular malformation
Inflammatory bowel disease
Tumor
Colon polyps or colon cancer
Trauma or foreign body
Bowel ischemia (a lack of proper blood flow to the intestines)


Call your doctor if you notice blood or changes in the color of your stool. Even if you think that hemorrhoids are causing blood in your stool, your doctor should examine you in order to make sure that there is no other, more serious cause present at the same time.

Answer 2

Any change in color is usually a reflection of the diet that you have. For instance, if you don't eat vegetables, it will typically turn green. Some medicines, like pepto bismol, will cause stool to be darker than normal. Also, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to discolored stool.
If you see something that looks like blood, it means that you have a serious problem and need to see a doctor (it could mean a variety of things- too numerous to list here).

Answer 3

I bleed like this each and each month. On halloween nighttime i exchange into bleeding nonstop. It appeared like i exchange into peeing, too. i exchange into additionally having plenty and a super variety of discomfort. besides, I even have introduced this as much as my docs alot and that all of them tell me it is in the conventional selection. I even have certainly bled everywhere in the floor at a food market earlier. Now does that sound established? NO!!!!!!!!!! i don't understand what they provide concept to unusual, regardless of the shown fact that it is particularly useful to bypass to the dr. or in case you proceed bleeding like this a visit to the ER isn't out of the question. i don't understand what they might do there, as they greater beneficial than in all probability won't do a pelvic examination once you're bledding so heavy. they might take lab paintings to envision your blood count quantity to confirm you haven't any longer lost too plenty blood, yet different than that they are going to probable deliver you residing house and then mail you one heck of a hefty bill. Ya understand? in case you have an OB-GYN call them Monday morning and ask to communicate to the nurse or make an appointment. considering you in many situations do no longer bleed like this then you certainly could have it seen approximately. it is particularly useful to get on the pill to regulate your cycle and make it lighter in bypass. good success.