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Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
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yellow loose stool
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D. Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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MedHelp Member's Question

yellow loose stool

by bigmattyz, Jul 14, 2005 12:00AM
I am 30 years old in good health, and I have a question. About 3 weeks ago I came down with the flu. It lasted for about 2 days but when it was done, I had lost about 10 pounds and was left with constant diarreah and a nausea feeling usually when lying down.I went to the doctor and he prescribed for me Trimethobenzamide for the nausea, told me that he thought that I had a gastro infection, and he took some blood test. I took the medication for one day and the nausea seem to go away,and my weight was stabalizing, but I am still left with the yellow colored loose stool.

A week went by and I contacted the doctor to get my lab results, and he told me that I had slightly elevated liver counts that was consistent with a infection, but everything else was OK.  I told him that I had the dirarreah still and he told me to try taking Pepcid ac pills and call him in week.

It has been 3 days and the Pepcid is not seeming to work, and I still have yellow loose stool and I think I am noticing myself being a little more tired than usual. Could it be Hepatitis or celiac disease or colon cancer? I am a big worrier and I am starting to panic. Has anyone heard of this?
Doctor's Answer

by Kevin Pho, MD, Jul 15, 2005 12:00AM
Yellow stool can be associated with gallbladder disease.  With the liver tests "elevated", you may want to ask if the bilirubin level was elevated as well.  If so, that may be an explanation for the color.  



As for causes, you can consider an abdominal ultrasound for initial evaluation.  This can determine if there are any blockages in the common bile duct (i.e. as shown by any dilation).  



Hepatitis is possible - you can evaluate this via blood tests.



Chronic diarrhea can be caused by celiac disease - again a blood test can be done to rule this out.



I cannot comment on colon cancer - but this would be an atypical presentation.  If this is a concern, you can consider a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy for further evaluation.



Followup with your personal physician is essential.



This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.



Kevin, M.D.

http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
Member Comments (8)

by astros18, Jul 15, 2005 12:00AM
Yellow stool is consistent with gallbladder problems. It is possible you have a stone stuck in a duct. When that happens, your pancreas may start acting up hence the yellow stool. If you are having pain under the right ribcage that indicates liver/gallbladder. Left side pain indicates pancreas/spleen. Have you done anything different lately? Have you had a baby or gone thru a pregnancy? If yes, many times that can precipitate a gallstone flare up. Have you taken a trip out of the country? If yes, check for parasites. Make sure you don't get dehydrated. That will make you feel weak and tired. If you can't stomach water, replenish with Gatorade. Try to stay away from sugary and fatty foods. I hope you feel better soon, and try not to panic. That only makes you feel worse.

by bigmattyz, Jul 28, 2005 12:00AM
It ended up being Giardia. And I am currently getting meds. Thanks for the help..

by astros18, Jul 28, 2005 12:00AM
To: bigmattyz
I am so glad you found out what was wrong with you. I hope the meds work. There are many good natural parasite cleanses that you have to take longer, but with better results. I would also recommend colonics once your meds are finished and consider going on a probiotic as well. Good health to you!

by watermaker, Aug 13, 2005 12:00AM
I'm a 45 yr old male with no history of gut problems. In nov. 04 I started having problems nausea and a gurgling gut that wouldn't stop. I don't recall if I had diarrhea but I did have a uneasyness in my stomach. After blood test I had H. Pyloria at 4.15. All other numbers were fine except for my indirect billirubin was 1.1. After the 2 week treatment for H.Py. things were about the same. The amox.for the H.py. caused diarrhea and I stoped taking it after 11 days. I had a upper GI done and found that it was irritated and red insted of pink. I was told to take Prevacid every morn. I took it for a few days, it didn't seem to change anything. Months later I continue to have the same symptoms but not all the time. I go through weeks or months of normal BM's and then It starts again. Sometimes undigested food or yellow diarrhea by I've never had any pain or blood present. Its like a roller coaster ride but I'm worried more than anything. When i'm having a bad week it seems to be worst when driving or sittings. The problem is worst in the mornings after a BM, nausea til lunch. After eating I feel better til the next morn. I have no problems at night while sleeping. Anybody have any sugestions.

by astros18, Aug 13, 2005 12:00AM
To: watermaker
You might try a yeast fungal detox along with colon hydrotherapy. Garden of Life Fungal Defense is an outstanding detox and only takes 2 weeks. You follow the directions on the bottle. If you do the detox, make sure you drink LOTS of pure distilled water and your bowels need to continue to move. Once the 2 weeks is done, I suggest you get a set of 3 colonics, which will cleanse the colon of all yeast and fungus and parasites killed off during the detox. The antibiotics you took for the H-pylori probably killed off all the beneficial flora in your digestive tract. I would start taking a strong probiotic for at least 3-6 months after the detox. Hope I helped you some. Feel better.

by bug08, Aug 31, 2005 12:00AM
I really wanted to ask astros18 but any would who may know can answer. Since having a baby 3months ago i have had what seems to be gallbladder trouble. My Md doc nor surgeon thinks it is significant enough to be taken out at this point. I have had abdominal discomfort in the upper quad and have a increased bili of 2.2. i have occasionally had the loose yellow stool but am now suffering from severe constipation. 8-10 days in between BM. and that is with being on zelnorm 6mg twice a day. My level of fatigue is also very bothersome. There are days i feel as though I could fall asleep standing up. Do you have any comments on my situation.

by bug08, Sep 01, 2005 12:00AM
To: astros18
please see my note that was posted yesterday