Dark Green Stool: Symptoms and Possible Health Issues

Q: Dark Green Stool: Symptoms and Possible Health Issues

Possible causes of green stools： 1. Food： Such as consuming a lot of dark-colored fruits and vegetables. 2. Medications： Such as iron supplements, which may cause dark green stools. 3. Bile pigments： Conditions such as acute or chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, li

Dark green stool?

In the past couple of days, I have been experiencing large, yellowish stools with a hint of dark green, and they feel somewhat oily.
Additionally, I have had some fecal leakage, as sometimes my underwear is stained yellow.
When I wipe my bottom with toilet paper, I notice that the stool is dark green.
Furthermore, this week, my right lower eyelid has been twitching continuously every evening.
Are these symptoms indicative of a medical condition?

Xiao Xiao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/03/25

Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Internal Medicine

Possible causes of green stools: 1.
Food: Such as consuming a lot of dark-colored fruits and vegetables.
2.
Medications: Such as iron supplements, which may cause dark green stools.
3.
Bile pigments: Conditions such as acute or chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and cholelithiasis that secrete more bile pigments into the intestines may lead to dark brown-green or yellow-green stools.
4.
Occult blood can cause dark brown-green stools, which may indicate bleeding in the oral cavity, esophagus, or gastrointestinal tract.
Testing stool samples along with other clinical symptoms can help identify the cause.
For fecal incontinence, a digital rectal exam can assess the function of the sphincter.
Recommendations: It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal specialist to investigate the cause.

As for eyelid twitching, it is caused by abnormal excitability of the nerves controlling the eyelid muscles, resulting in involuntary contractions of some fibers of the orbicularis oculi muscle, which causes the skin above to twitch.
This phenomenon is more frequent during periods of fatigue, prolonged eye use, or insufficient sleep.
Other factors such as bright lights, medication-induced irritation, foreign objects in the eye, or frequent smoking and drinking can also irritate the eyes and lead to eyelid twitching.
The most common form of eyelid twitching is benign fasciculation of the orbicularis oculi muscle, with each twitch lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes, after which it resolves spontaneously.
When eyelid twitching occurs frequently, resting the eyes by closing them or applying a warm towel can help shorten the duration of the twitching.
If the eyelid continues to twitch persistently, it is important to seek medical attention.
If the twitching is accompanied by spasms of the facial muscles, eyebrows, and mouth corners on the same side, it may indicate facial nerve irritation and should be treated promptly.

Reply Date: 2005/03/25

More Info

Dark green stool can be a source of concern for many individuals, and understanding its potential causes is crucial for maintaining good health. The color of stool is influenced by various factors, including diet, digestion, and underlying health conditions. In your case, the presence of dark yellow-green stool with an oily texture, along with occasional leakage, raises several points worth discussing.

Firstly, dietary factors play a significant role in stool color. Foods that are high in chlorophyll, such as leafy greens (spinach, kale), can lead to greenish stools. However, you mentioned that you haven't consumed a lot of green vegetables recently, which suggests that diet alone may not be the sole reason for your symptoms. Additionally, if you have been consuming foods rich in artificial coloring or certain supplements, these could also contribute to changes in stool color.

Another important aspect to consider is the possibility of malabsorption. If your body is not properly absorbing fats, it can lead to oily stools, which may appear yellow or greenish. Conditions such as celiac disease, pancreatitis, or other gastrointestinal disorders can affect nutrient absorption and lead to changes in stool consistency and color. The oily texture you described could indicate that your body is not adequately digesting fats, which is a sign that warrants further investigation.

The presence of mucus in your stool, as you mentioned, can also be a sign of gastrointestinal distress. Mucus can be produced in response to inflammation or irritation in the intestines, which may occur due to infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even stress-related gastrointestinal issues. Given your history of anxiety and potential autonomic nervous system dysregulation, it is possible that stress could be contributing to your gastrointestinal symptoms.

Regarding the twitching of your lower eyelid, while it may seem unrelated, it can be associated with stress, fatigue, or even caffeine intake. However, if this symptom persists or is accompanied by other neurological signs, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional.

In light of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider may recommend a stool analysis to check for the presence of fat, blood, or signs of infection. Additionally, blood tests can help evaluate liver function, pancreatic function, and overall nutritional status. If necessary, imaging studies or endoscopic procedures may be performed to rule out any structural issues in the gastrointestinal tract.

In summary, while dark green stool can often be attributed to dietary choices, your symptoms suggest that there may be underlying issues related to digestion and absorption. The combination of oily stools, mucus, and the twitching of your eyelid indicates that a thorough evaluation is warranted. It is essential to address these symptoms promptly to ensure that any potential health issues are identified and managed appropriately. Remember, early intervention is key to maintaining good health, so don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance.

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