What does it mean when your stool is darker than normal?
Stool that appears blackish or reddish in color can be a concern. It can indicate blood in the stool and may be a more serious gastrointestinal tract issue. But stool that simply seems darker than normal may be the result of dehydration, constipation, or eating dark-colored foods or iron-rich foods or supplements.
What’s the difference between red and black stool?
The color and its intensity can help doctors narrow down where the blood may be coming from. Bright red blood is most often caused by lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract bleeding, such as rectal bleeding, while black tarry stool usually comes from the stomach or elsewhere in the upper GI tract.
Why does my child have dark brown stool?
Dark brown stool in children Dark brown stool in children should be monitored. Constipation in children is often due to not getting enough fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, dehydration, and/or behavioral factors, such as a desire for control or holding stool out of fear of using the toilet or not wanting to stop playing.
When to go to the ER for dark brown stool?
You should go to the ER if your dark brown stool is accompanied by these symptoms: Severe abdominal pain/cramping with or without vomiting or being unable to eat or drink. Brown, black, or bright red vomit or stool, which could indicate internal bleeding.
When do you Know Your Child is having blowout stools?
“This is often identified in the first few months of life with chronic, severe constipation, but can be missed and identified at a later age. “Because there is an area that does not have proper nerves, constipation is a major issue and ‘blowout stools’ are a common description for these children.”
What causes large bowel movements and smelly stools?
“If you alter your normal gut flora and bacteria through a poor diet or infections, stool will be improperly digested and the belly will be inflamed. This leads to large, smelly, mucousy stools.” Dr. Warsh explains, “Hirschsprung disease is an uncommon cause of massive stools.
Why does my child poop as big as a baseball?
Child’s Poops As Big As a Baseball “Extremely large stools can be a marker of constipation,” says Dr. Warsh. “If your child is constipated, stool will build up in the colon and rectum. When they eventually do go to the bathroom, the stool can be surprisingly massive.
Why does my child have a lot of stool?
“Extremely large stools can be a marker of constipation,” says Dr. Warsh. “If your child is constipated, stool will build up in the colon and rectum. When they eventually do go to the bathroom, the stool can be surprisingly massive. “A standard American diet filled with sugar, wheat, dairy, dyes and preservatives can lead to constipation.”