When to see a doctor about hard stools?
hard stools last longer than a week or are a recurrent problem; a child cannot pass stool for several days; hard stools cause bleeding or pain; a new medication causes hard stools
What should your stool look like when you go to the bathroom?
Stools should leave the body with little straining or discomfort, have a toothpaste-like consistency, and look more like a banana than a pencil. You shouldn’t see mucus or blood.
When to seek medical attention for your stool color?
Consult your doctor if you’re concerned about your stool color. If your stool is bright red or black — which may indicate the presence of blood — seek prompt medical attention. Food may be moving through the large intestine too quickly, such as due to diarrhea.
Is it normal to have a lot of greasy stool?
However, persistent fatty stools are not normal and may indicate some type of disorder in the gut. Because greasy stool symptoms typically indicate an inability to absorb fats and, therefore, fat-soluble vitamins, the condition must be addressed to prevent deficiency in these nutrients.
hard stools last longer than a week or are a recurrent problem; a child cannot pass stool for several days; hard stools cause bleeding or pain; a new medication causes hard stools
What should I know about the color of my stool?
The color of stools varies, but typically falls within the spectrum of brown color, depending on the foods you eat. You should be concerned if your stools are deep red, maroon, black, or “tarry,” especially if they have a noticeable odor.
What to do if your POOP is different than your stool?
Your doctor will run various tests on your stool like a fecal occult blood test to determine the cause. Understand the rarity of a stool color indicating a very serious medical condition. Most of the time, changes in stool color can be explained by treatable conditions, or simply by dietary causes.
What’s the best way to tell if your POOP is healthy?
Brown, yellow, or green poop: The gold standard for healthy poop. Things look good. The difference in colors depends on what you eat and how much bile you’re producing. Generally, poop ranging in shades of brown to green is a good sign. Pale, clay-colored poop: Light gray, clay-like feces can suggest a problem with your digestion.