Changes in Stool Color: When to Worry About Your Digestive Health

Q: Changes in Stool Color: When to Worry About Your Digestive Health

Hello： If it's coffee, it should be normal. <br>However, if you often experience stomach pain and diarrhea during school hours but feel fine when not in class, it may be related to emotional factors. <br>I recommend adjusting your mood, which may lead to improvement. <br>Addition

The stool appears reddish, but when illuminated with a flashlight, it looks brown?

The color of the water in the toilet after having a bowel movement appears somewhat brown, but I feel like there might be a hint of red.
However, when I shine a flashlight on it, it looks like normal brown stool.
The size and consistency of my stool seem normal.
I'm not sure if it's just my imagination or if there's really a problem.
When I have diarrhea, the stool is always a normal brown color.
I often experience stomach pain and diarrhea in the morning before school, but I feel fine when I'm not in class.
Could this be irritable bowel syndrome, or could there be another reason? I rarely eat breakfast, but when I do, I often experience stomach pain.
Could this be related to my eating habits? Additionally, when I have stomach pain, I often squat and press my heels against my buttocks to hold in the urge to defecate.
Could this cause any harm? I'm sorry for asking so many questions; I'm really worried about cancer, but there is no family history of cancer.

Awei, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/11/30

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: If it's coffee, it should be normal.
However, if you often experience stomach pain and diarrhea during school hours but feel fine when not in class, it may be related to emotional factors.
I recommend adjusting your mood, which may lead to improvement.
Additionally, it's important to maintain regular meals and not skip breakfast.
Furthermore, if you feel abdominal pain and the urge to have a bowel movement, it's advisable to go ahead and do so rather than suppressing the urge, as this could lead to abdominal pain in the future.
If the situation does not improve, I recommend consulting a gastroenterologist.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Cai Anshun.

Reply Date: 2015/11/30

More Info

Understanding changes in stool color can be crucial for assessing digestive health. The color of stool can vary based on a variety of factors, including diet, hydration, and underlying health conditions. In your case, you mentioned that the water around your stool appears coffee-colored with a hint of red, but upon closer inspection, it seems to be a normal brown color. This can indeed be concerning, especially when accompanied by symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Firstly, it's important to note that stool color can be influenced by what you eat. Foods rich in iron, such as red meat, can darken stool, while beets and certain dyes can give it a reddish hue. If you have recently consumed any of these foods, it could explain the color change. However, if you notice a persistent change in color, especially if it appears red or black, it could indicate bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, which warrants immediate medical attention.

You also mentioned experiencing abdominal pain and diarrhea, particularly when you are at school. This could suggest a condition known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which is characterized by symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation. Stress and anxiety, particularly in a school environment, can exacerbate these symptoms. It’s also worth noting that skipping breakfast can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, as it may cause your stomach to produce acid without food to digest, leading to pain.

Regarding your concern about holding in bowel movements, this can lead to several issues. Regularly delaying the urge to defecate can cause constipation, which may lead to more serious complications like hemorrhoids or fecal impaction. It’s essential to listen to your body’s signals and respond appropriately to avoid these complications.

If you are experiencing frequent abdominal pain and changes in your bowel habits, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend dietary changes, stress management techniques, or further testing to rule out any serious conditions. Keeping a food diary can also help identify any dietary triggers that may be contributing to your symptoms.

In summary, while occasional changes in stool color can be normal, persistent changes, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. They can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your needs. Remember, early intervention is key to managing digestive health effectively.

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