Bowel issues
Hello Dr.
Chang: I have noticed a small portion of dark green in my stool (very light) that returned to normal color after about 2-3 days.
This has been happening for approximately three weeks.
I had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at Chi Mei Medical Center in Tainan in mid-January 2023, and the doctor said I only have gastritis.
Could this condition be related to a liver issue? I would like to know the results.
Thank you, Dr.
Chang.
Qiu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/01/31
Dr. Zhang Siyuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Dear Mr.
Chiu,
The reason for black or dark green stools is primarily due to gastrointestinal bleeding.
The difference is that black, tarry stools indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding, where the blood interacts with gastric juices and undergoes changes before being expelled quickly from the body.
Dark green, viscous stools suggest that there is both upper gastrointestinal bleeding and food intake; the blood and food particles transit too quickly through the colon, not allowing enough time for bile to alter the color to normal, resulting in a mixed appearance of black and green.
Based on your treatment history, this appears to be a case of "hemorrhagic gastritis." The dark green stools are not indicative of liver issues, but rather the mechanisms described above.
I recommend that you undergo more effective treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and simultaneously address any ongoing diarrhea issues with medication, so that your stools can return to their normal color.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Chang
Department of Gastroenterology, Le Sheng Rehabilitation Hospital
Reply Date: 2008/01/31
More Info
Hello! Thank you for your question regarding the occurrence of dark green stool and its potential implications for liver health.
Dark green stool can be caused by a variety of factors, and while it may raise concerns about liver function, it is essential to consider the broader context of your health and any accompanying symptoms. The color of stool is primarily influenced by the food you consume, the presence of bile, and the speed at which food moves through your digestive system.
1. Dietary Factors: One of the most common reasons for dark green stool is dietary choices. Foods that are rich in chlorophyll, such as leafy greens (spinach, kale), or foods with artificial coloring can lead to a greenish hue in stool. If you have recently increased your intake of such foods, this could explain the change in color.
2. Bile Production: Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It is responsible for the emulsification of fats and gives stool its characteristic brown color. If food moves too quickly through the intestines, there may not be enough time for bile to break down completely, resulting in green stool. This rapid transit can occur due to various reasons, including gastrointestinal infections, stress, or certain medications.
3. Gastrointestinal Issues: Since you mentioned having undergone an endoscopy that revealed only gastritis, it is less likely that your liver is directly involved in the change in stool color. However, gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or infections could lead to changes in stool color and consistency.
4. Liver Function: While liver issues can manifest in various ways, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, and pale stools, dark green stool alone is not a typical indicator of liver dysfunction. If liver function tests (LFTs) are normal, it is less likely that the liver is the source of the problem.
5. Monitoring Symptoms: Since you have observed that the dark green stool persisted for about 2-3 days and then returned to normal, it suggests that this may have been a transient issue, possibly related to dietary changes or a mild gastrointestinal disturbance. However, if you experience any additional symptoms such as abdominal pain, persistent changes in stool color, or any signs of liver dysfunction (like jaundice), it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
In conclusion, while dark green stool can sometimes be a cause for concern, it is often benign and related to dietary factors or rapid intestinal transit. Given your recent endoscopy results indicating only gastritis and the normalization of stool color, it is unlikely that there is a significant liver issue at play. However, ongoing monitoring of your symptoms and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider is essential for your overall health. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor. Thank you!
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