Stool Color & Texture Changes Symptoms

Changes in stool (feces) color are
often harmless and reflect dietary
influences. The normal brown color
of stool occurs due to the presence
of bilirubin. Bilirubin is formed as a
breakdown product of hemoglobin
(from red blood cells) in the liver
and is secreted into the bile, which
enters the intestines. If the
intestinal contents travel at a
normal speed, chemical changes in
bilirubin produce stool that is light
to dark brown. The stool may appear
green if the intestinal contents pass
through the bowel more rapidly.
Changes in the color of stool are
common and are generally not
significant if the changes are noted
from one stool to the next and are
not persistent. However, changes in
the color of stool can also be caused
by a number of minor to serious
medical conditions and can occur
with certain medications. Changes in
stool color that are persistent and
do not occur in only one stool may
signal the presence of a medical
condition and should be evaluated.
Certain persistent changes in stool
color are characteristic for specific
conditions:
black, foul-smelling stool: intestinal
bleeding (typically from the stomach
and upper small intestine) due to
ulcers, tumors; ingestion of iron or
bismuth
maroon stool: intestinal bleeding
(from the middle intestine or
proximal colon) due to ulcers,
tumors, Crohn's disease, ulcerative
colitis
clay-colored stool: lack of bile due to
blockage of the main bile duct
pale yellow, greasy, foul-smelling
stool: malabsorption of fat due to
pancreatic insufficiency, as seen with
pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer , cystic
fibrosis, celiac disease

symptoms of Ascites
Mild ascites is hard to notice, but
severe ascites leads to abdominal
distension. Patients with ascites
generally will complain of progressive
abdominal heaviness and pressure as
well as shortness of breath due to
mechanical impingement on the
diaphragm.

Ascites is detected on physical
examination of the abdomen by
visible bulging of the flanks in the
reclining patient (“flank bulging”),
“shifting dullness” (difference in
percussion note in the flanks that
shifts when the patient is turned on
the side) or in massive ascites with a
“fluid thrill” or “fluid wave” (tapping
or pushing on one side will generate
a wave-like effect through the fluid
that can be felt in the opposite side
of the abdomen).