Intermittent Abdominal Pain and Green Stool: Causes and Concerns

Intermittent abdominal pain and greenish stools?

On Thursday, I experienced sudden abdominal pain accompanied by bloating, with no urge to defecate or pass gas, just a feeling of pressure and distension in my abdomen.
Subsequently, I developed a headache and fever, with a low-grade fever that fluctuated.
I found it difficult to walk upright, and my lower back also felt sore.
After returning home, I took a hot drink and slept for a while.
By midnight, my headache had subsided, and my fever improved, but I still had no bowel movements or gas, and the bloating and pain persisted, with occasional cramping around my navel.
I took some activated charcoal and experienced diarrhea two to three times, with the stools being mushy and clumpy, along with gas.
By Friday morning, I felt much better after sleeping in, and in the afternoon, I had the urge to defecate, producing a long, grass-green stool that was abundant and odorless, which made my abdomen feel lighter.
I only occasionally felt intestinal motility.
That evening, I purchased Wakamado intestinal powder.
On Saturday afternoon, my stool was green, long, and slightly darker than the grass-green from before, approaching dark green.
My abdominal discomfort improved, but I still felt a bit off.
That evening, I had a small amount of green stool, which was not as significant as the previous two times.
I have been eating normally.

I would like to know if this is just a case of general intestinal dysregulation or indigestion, or if it could be bacterial enteritis.
How many days might the green stool persist? I am continuing to take the Wakamado intestinal powder, or should I go to the hospital on Monday? What conditions could cause green stool? Thank you.

Grace, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/10/16

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Based on the symptoms, it appears to be gastroenteritis.
If there is no improvement, you may consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation.

Reply Date: 2016/10/16

More Info

Intermittent abdominal pain accompanied by changes in stool color, such as green stool, can be concerning and may indicate various underlying issues. Based on your description, it seems you experienced a combination of symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, difficulty passing gas, and changes in bowel habits, which later improved with some interventions. Let's break down the potential causes and considerations regarding your symptoms.

Possible Causes of Abdominal Pain and Green Stool
1. Gastrointestinal Disturbances: The symptoms you described, including abdominal pain and bloating, could be attributed to gastrointestinal disturbances such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is characterized by abdominal discomfort and altered bowel habits. Stress and dietary changes can exacerbate these symptoms.

2. Dietary Factors: The color of your stool can be influenced by your diet. Consuming a high amount of green vegetables or foods with green food coloring can lead to green stool. Additionally, if you have been taking supplements or medications that affect digestion, such as the "整腸粉" (intestinal health powder), this could also contribute to the change in stool color.

3. Bacterial Infections: Green stool can sometimes indicate a bacterial infection or an imbalance in gut flora. Conditions such as gastroenteritis, often caused by viral or bacterial infections, can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and changes in stool color. If you experienced diarrhea, it could suggest that your intestines were reacting to an infection or irritation.

4. Malabsorption Issues: Conditions that affect the absorption of nutrients, such as celiac disease or other malabsorption syndromes, can also lead to changes in stool color and consistency. If your body is not absorbing fats properly, for example, it can result in green, greasy stools.

5. Bile Pigments: Green stool can occur when bile, which is normally brown, passes through the intestines too quickly. This can happen during episodes of diarrhea, leading to less time for bile to break down and change color.

When to Seek Medical Attention
Given that your symptoms included fever, persistent abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits, it is important to monitor your condition closely. If your symptoms return or worsen, or if you experience additional symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or blood in your stool, you should seek medical attention promptly.

Recommendations
1. Hydration and Diet: Continue to stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet. Avoid foods that may irritate your digestive system, such as spicy or fatty foods.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, including any changes in bowel habits, pain levels, and dietary intake. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.

3. Follow-Up: If your symptoms persist beyond a few days or if you have concerns about the green stool, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend tests such as stool analysis or imaging studies to rule out any serious conditions.

4. Consider Stress Management: Since stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, consider incorporating stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or gentle exercise into your routine.

In conclusion, while intermittent abdominal pain and green stool can often be benign and related to dietary factors or mild gastrointestinal disturbances, persistent or severe symptoms warrant further evaluation. It is always better to err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any doubts about your health.

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