Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version
Unusual Color of Stool
DESCRIPTION
Any color other than brown is an unusual color for stools
(bowel movements). Stool color relates more to what is
eaten than to any disease. Unusual colors of the stool are
almost always due to food coloring or food additives. In
children with diarrhea, food passes through the body very
quickly, and stools often come out the same color as the
Kool-Aid or gelatin water that went in.
UNUSUAL STOOL COLORS AND COMMON CAUSES
- Red: blood, red gelatin, red Kool-Aid, cranberries, red
cereals, tomato juice, tomato soup, beets, red medicines
- Black: blood from the stomach, iron, bismuth (for
example, Pepto-Bismol), licorice, cigarette ashes,
charcoal, Oreo cookies, grape juice
- Green: green gelatin, iron, spinach, diarrhea, breast-
feeding (especially during the first 2 months of life)
- Yellow-white: aluminum hydroxide (antacids), excessive
milk, hepatitis.
CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF:
- The stools are red or black and tarry without
explanation.
- Your child starts acting very sick.
CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN DURING OFFICE HOURS IF:
- Other unusual colors continue for more than 3 days after
you have eliminated any suspected foods. Be prepared to
bring in a stool sample.
- You have other questions or concerns.
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