Black feces with a green tint cause. Decorated green chair for an adult

Green feces can appear due to various reasons. For example, green poop may occur due to nutrition, namely the consumption of certain foods that provoke stool color. Also, this phenomenon may be associated with some diseases that cause malfunctions in the functioning of vital systems. In any case, you must always be on the alert, know the causes and treatment of such a phenomenon.

Important! It is possible to know exactly the true cause of the deviation only after the results of the relevant studies have been submitted and received.

If green feces were seen in an adult once, this does not mean that it is necessary to sound the alarm. Often the color changes due to the foods eaten. For example, with excessive consumption of certain cereals that are difficult for the body to digest, the stool can turn green, and this phenomenon persists for several days.

For the digestion of cereals with a dense shell, the body needs to produce bile in large quantities so that the process of splitting food is more productive. The enzyme contributes to this, and a greenish stool is released.

Some products contain special pigments that can change the color of the excrement. This factor is associated with an excess of iron in food. Therefore, this phenomenon should not be regarded as a disease.

Color can be affected by:

1. Frequent consumption of spinach, cucumbers, sorrel, lettuce, dill, and other foods that have a pronounced green color.
2. Eating caramels, marmalade and other foods that contain high levels of food coloring in their composition. Because of them, even feces that have a dark green color can appear.
3. If the products contain chlorophyll, the color of the stool also changes. After eating seaweed, this phenomenon can persist for up to 3 days.
4. Red meat, fish, red beans in some cases also contribute to the staining of feces.

Pigments tend to persist in the human body for up to 5 days. That is, it is possible that even after a person stops eating all of the above foods, the color of feces will still remain unchanged.

Important: If an adult notes that he has green poop, while the phenomenon is accompanied by mucus secretions, then this becomes an occasion to think about his health. This symptom may already signal that there are malfunctions in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

The causes of green stools are usually divided into two classifications:

• physiological;
• pathological.

Let's consider them more specifically.

Physiological causes

Excrement in this case changes its color as a result of the consumption of certain products by a person - this has already been written above. This does not threaten health, but in any case, any adult should know exactly after which products the stool can change its color. If the products contain coloring substances (for example, iron) - all this affects the color.

Dark green stools in a person can appear with the use of dietary supplements and certain pharmacological preparations. Let's list them:

• laxative teas, capsules, the composition of which is of plant origin;
• medicines containing iodine;
• glucose, sorbitol, etc.;
• complexes of minerals, as well as vitamins;
• preparations containing seaweed.

In this case, the causes of green feces are obvious, and such a condition does not threaten human health.

Pathological causes

Sometimes it happens that the green color of feces appears as a result of some pathologies. If an adult notes that the phenomenon is accompanied by high fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, it is necessary to contact a specialist as soon as possible to make a diagnosis. Only an experienced gastroenterologist can answer exactly the question - why did the stool appear greenish after receiving the results of the tests passed by the patient.

Important: If you noted that black-green feces appeared, while foods that could change its color were not eaten, you cannot engage in self-diagnosis! It is necessary to go to the hospital as soon as possible, as this condition can be dangerous.

We list the main diseases that are accompanied by this pathology:

1. Crohn's disease.
2. Infectious diseases - for example, enterocolitis. In this case, the stool will not only change color, but it will also be possible to note impurities of blood or mucus.
3. Internal bleeding. If it is not strong, the patient may notice that the stool has a black-green tint. If the bleeding is heavy, then the excrement becomes black.
4. Allergy to certain foods. In this case, it can be noted that in the stool there are parts of undigested food with mucus, respectively, and the feces in adults (its color) also change.
5. With a stomach ulcer, this phenomenon can also be noted.
6. Rotavirus infection. Requires immediate treatment to the infectious diseases hospital, especially if the child has symptoms. Symptoms are as follows: feces with mucus impurities are released, it has an unpleasant odor. In this case, the general condition deteriorates sharply, symptoms of intoxication appear.

If green poop has been noted, while there are accompanying symptoms, you should not delay going to the doctor.

Possible complications and diseases

Dysentery. This disease may be accompanied by symptoms:

• hyperthermia;
• temperature rise;
• nausea;
• feeling of weakness;
• vomit;
• severe abdominal pain.

If green feces in an adult persist for several days for no apparent reason, and the above symptoms appear, an infectious disease specialist should be consulted. If the phenomenon is accompanied by a putrid odor, a sharp weight loss, diarrhea - this state of affairs already indicates the presence of E. coli and other pathological microorganisms.

Dysbacteriosis. It occurs not only in children, but also in adults. Accompanied by belching, bloating, upset stool. Increased gas formation and green stools in an adult are also present. All these symptoms are caused by a violation of the microflora. As a result, beneficial microorganisms gradually die, they are replaced by pathogenic microflora. In the process of exacerbation of the disease, a high number of leukocytes is observed. As a result of these changes, the intestines cannot digest food normally. This provokes its fermentation and decay. Components are released that provoke the appearance of green poop.

Intestinal infections. Cholera, dysentery - all these diseases are considered infectious. In any case, the patient will have a high fever, and nausea, accompanied by vomiting. The person is weakened, there are pains in the abdomen, aches all over the body, headache, chills, etc.

internal bleeding. It occurs due to an exacerbation of peptic ulcer, or when oncological neoplasms appear in one of the sections of the gastrointestinal tract. The process of iron oxidation starts after the blood enters the stomach. If the masses are not completely oxidized, in this case there will be the appearance of green feces. Standard bleeding symptoms: decrease in blood pressure, blanching of the skin, severe shortness of breath, tachycardia. This condition can threaten the life of the patient.

Hepatitis. All pathological processes, closely related to liver diseases, lead to massive decomposition of red blood cells. In this case, the liver does not have enough hemoglobin, as a result of which bilirubin begins to be produced. This pigment contributes to the appearance of a greenish tint in the feces. The same phenomenon is sometimes observed in diseases of the blood.

Allergy. It often happens that a person has a food allergy - that is, some foods are intolerable to the body. This factor causes the development of an inflammatory process, as a result of which a green stool is released.

All of the above diseases require a mandatory consultation with a doctor, since such conditions can not only harm health, but in some cases even threaten a person's life.

What diagnostic measures are prescribed

If a greenish stool appears in an adult, the doctor will prescribe examinations and studies without fail.

After deciphering the stool tests in an adult, the doctor prescribes treatment. It will directly depend on the cause of the deviation, the scheme for each patient is selected separately.

If color changes were provoked by food, it is enough just to review your diet. Eat greens, cucumbers in smaller quantities, do not abuse cereals and red meat, refuse foods that contain a large amount of dyes. Do not forget that greenish stool will persist for some time. In order to remove harmful substances from the body, you can take Atoxil, Smecta, Regidron, etc.

If an adult has green feces, the causes of this phenomenon may be different, and without passing the appropriate tests they cannot be determined. Deviation from the norm may indicate an infectious disease - in this case, self-medication is strictly contraindicated.

If you notice that the feces have become greenish, while there is a high temperature, diarrhea and weakness, you need to know what to do in such situations. Diarrhea causes the body to become dehydrated. The consistency and volume of blood changes, minerals and salts are washed out - all this leads to the fact that the patient will feel even worse. In order to restore losses, one teaspoon of sugar and salt should be added to each liter of water.

If the patient has vomiting and green stools, the stomach must be washed out in order to free it from food. To do this, a large amount of warm boiled water is drunk until the urge to vomit appears (you can make a very weak solution of potassium permanganate).

If the patient has not only greenish feces, but also vomiting, he needs to refuse food altogether for a while. In principle, if there are such symptoms, you need to follow a clear diet. In no case should you prescribe yourself a treatment on your own, especially, take various drugs. With dysbacteriosis, for example, you can significantly aggravate the picture.

Do not neglect your health, consult a doctor at the first symptoms that bother you!

Violation of the digestive functions of the human body most often manifests itself in the form of altered feces, an increase or decrease in the number of defecation acts

Quite often, patients complain about the appearance of loose green stools in adults. In this case, the frequency of defecation can vary from 3 to 12 times. In particular, this parameter is often decisive in making a preliminary diagnosis of an infectious lesion. With a small frequency of bowel movements, a diagnosis of biliary dyskinesia is preliminarily established.

Before you "sound the alarm", you should think about the following questions:

• How often have you visited the bathroom in the last 24 hours?
• whether the process of urine separation was disturbed;
• whether you have muscle weakness, increased sweating, fever;
• what is the nature of the pain in the abdomen, and in which department is it localized;
• What have you eaten in the last 48 hours.

All these are concomitant symptoms that may indicate a possible cause of a change in the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of feces. Below we will look at the main reasons that can cause green loose stools in an adult.

Green stools in violation of the balance of intestinal microflora

This condition is called dysbacteriosis. It can form against the background of long-term use of antibacterial agents, fasting, adherence to a certain type of diet, violation of the diet, damage to the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract by fungal microflora. Loose green stools due to an imbalance in the intestinal microflora is a fairly common problem. A distinctive characteristic is the presence of a fetid odor.

An imbalance of the intestinal microflora is manifested in the form of frequent digestive disorders, in which loose green stools, diarrhea, bloating, belching, heaviness and loss of appetite occur. A characteristic symptom is the absence of frequent repetitions of bowel movements. The stool frequency remains within the physiological norm (2-3 times a day).

With a long course without concomitant correction of the composition of the microflora, symptoms of skin itching, headaches, increased fatigue, and a decrease in muscle mass begin to appear.

Diagnosis of liquid green stools is based on a coprogram. Treatment only according to the results of bacteriological analysis. Appointed by a gastroenterologist.

Green stool with salmonellosis, dysentery and other intestinal infections

Another common reason for the appearance of greenery in the feces is infection with pathogenic microflora. Most often, salmonellosis is manifested by such a specific symptom. Green stool with salmonellosis is a hallmark of this infection. It is quite easy to identify the disease. It begins with a sharp increase in body temperature up to 38 degrees Celsius. Severe pain in the epigastrium instantly appears, at the height of which there is repeated vomiting with an admixture of greenery. After a few hours, diarrhea begins, which can occur up to 12 times a day. Multiple loose green stools will appear, which is difficult to stop with standard antidiarrheal drugs.

The same signs can be with other intestinal infections, for example, dysentery. Liquid green stools usually appear 3 to 4 days after the onset of acute symptoms. It is most often present in Escherichia coli infections.

Similar symptoms also have a gastrointestinal tract infection with Staphylococcus aureus. An accurate diagnosis can only be established by culture of vomit and feces. The condition requires immediate medical attention. With extensive contamination with bacteria, paralysis of the small intestine can develop, as a result of which a person can die due to dehydration.

Other intestinal infections can also provoke the appearance of loose green stools, so laboratory diagnostics for such conditions is the only method of available research.

Violation of the gallbladder and the appearance of liquid green stools

According to medical statistics, approximately 80% of the adult population of our country suffers from the so-called biliary dyskinesia. This pathology is the main cause of the development of calculous cholecystitis followed by cholecysectomy. Violation of the gallbladder and the biliary system of bile removal almost always provokes the appearance of loose green stools in both adults and children.

Violation manifests itself in the form of improper outflow of bile from the gallbladder. Physiologically, this occurs due to the ingestion of the food bolus into the stomach cavity. In response, stimulating substances are released that signal the release of bile into the duodenal cavity. If this does not happen, then the food bolus is not processed by bile acids, the so-called "fatty feces" are formed. In the initial stages of biliary dyskinesia, the main symptom is a liquid green stool, which is characterized by periodicity and occurs against the background of a diet violation.

In the future, as a result of stagnation of bile, the bladder overflows. Bile loses its properties and acquires a greenish tint. Heavy physical labor or the use of glucose in large quantities can provoke a massive release of low-lying stagnant bile. It burns the mucous membrane of the small intestine, as it does not mix with the food bolus, which contains neutralizing substances.

This causes a strong burning sensation along the small and large intestines. Pain may be cramping. A sick person may sweat profusely. After 40 - 60 minutes, a characteristic liquid green stool appears, the color of which may have an admixture of greenery. Acts of defecation can be repeated 2 - 3 times within 2 hours. After that, all symptoms subside. The person is relieved. There is an appetite.

The condition requires immediate examination and corrective treatment to exclude the formation of stones in the gallbladder. It must be understood that liquid green stools do not eliminate problems with the gallbladder. It is necessary to undergo an examination, find the cause of the violation of the outflow of bile and conduct a course of treatment.

Violation of the diet

The alimentary cause of liquid green stools may be to eat a large amount of greens and vegetables that differ in a similar color. Also, fruits and vegetables with a high content of iron can give a dark green hue to feces. A similar symptom may occur in people who frequently eat animal by-products (especially liver). Liquid green stools against the background of a violation of the diet should not be repeated several times. If this is a repeated bowel movement within 24 hours, then you should consult an infectious disease specialist.

Systematic asymptomatic emptying is not only the removal of waste products of vital activity, but also an indicator of the well-being of the body, the correct functioning of its systems. If an adult's stool turns green, this is an alarm bell, and the reasons should be looked for.

A green feces or a variety of its shades in an adult indicates a possible violation in the digestive process.

Green stool in an adult. The reasons may lie in the use of food of this color.

Reasons to focus on the functioning of the body:

Green stool in an adult (the reasons may be of a different nature) requires a careful analysis of the last 1-2 days before its appearance:

• what medications were taken;
• what kind of food, and in what quantities consumed;
• whether there was contact with infected persons;
• how many days or hours pain symptoms are felt in the area of ​​​​the organs of the peritoneal cavity;
• is there a temperature.

If symptoms persist for more than 3 days:

• pain in the abdomen;
• nausea or vomiting;
• not falling heat;
• diarrhea.

an immediate consultation with a doctor is necessary, and a detailed story of how well-being has changed will help to present a more complete picture of the disease.

Diagnosis

Green feces in an adult (it is important to immediately identify the detection field for its causes) may be the result of gastroenterological problems.

To determine the correct diagnosis, the specialist uses the results of a number of studies:

Treatment with drugs

In case of serious manifestations of a digestive tract disorder, it is not recommended to self-medicate. In some cases, only inpatient treatment is necessary, in special situations - surgery.

Before calling a doctor and with a clear picture of poisoning, diet violations, it is permissible to apply some remedies on your own.

As a sorbent

Activated carbon:

• issued in tab. and powders;
• used for diarrhea as a means of detoxification, removes decay products and toxins;
• taken 1 tab. per 10 kg of body weight or 20 g of powder - 1 dose;
• drinking plenty of water.

Polysorb:

• it is made in the form of powder for suspension;
• removes toxins and allergens from the body;
• children under 7 years of age are recommended a dose of 150 mg per 10 kg of weight, adults - 12 g;
• duration of application from 3 days to a week.

Smekta:

• is a natural preparation, a combination of aluminum and magnesium silicates;
• available as a powder for suspension;
• forms a protective layer on the gastric mucosa, preventing the effects of toxins and acids;
• daily intake for babies - 1 sachet, from 2 years old - 2 sachets, for adults - 3 sachets during the day;
• duration of admission - no more than 3 days.

Atoxil:

• available in powders;
• active substance silicon dioxide;
• used for intestinal diseases with diarrhea, removes toxic, poisonous substances, decay products and vital activity of pathogenic bacteria;
• taken as a suspension 1 hour before taking other medicines. 1 sachet of the drug dissolves in 50 g of water;
• the daily norm for persons over 7 years old is 12 g in 2-3 doses.

In order to restore microflora (probiotics)

Hilak forte:

• release form - drops;
• improves the digestibility of food, localizes the spread of the pathogenic environment;
• the agent dissolves in water as follows: age 1-2 years - 15-30 drops 3 r / day before or during meals, adults - 20-40 drops;
• duration of admission - at least 1 week.

Bificol:

• powder for suspension is contained in ampoules or vials for 5 doses;
• drink half an hour before meals;
• has an antimicrobial effect, and also normalizes the intestinal microflora;
• the dose of Bificol and the need for its use is determined by the doctor (from 1 to 5 doses 2 r / day for 5 days to 2 weeks).

Linex:

• packaged in capsules of 1g;
• additional varieties: linex-forte and linex-baby (in a sachet);
• stops diarrhea, thereby normalizing the conditions for the restoration of microflora;
• children under 2 years old are recommended to take 1 capsule 3 r / day, at an older age - 2 caps. with the same frequency

Bifidumbacterin:

• powder packaged in 5 doses;
• inhibits the vital activity of pathogenic bacteria, thereby normalizing the work of the gastrointestinal tract;
• newborns are assigned 2 portions 3 r / day, from 6 months to 1 year - 3 portions 3 r / day, the rest of the age groups - 1 package 3 r / day;
• course - no more than 1.5 weeks.

To stop vomiting symptoms and diarrhea

Imodium:

• contained in capsules;
• the main substance loperamide, which selectively blocks opioid receptors;
• there are a number of contraindications;
• taken after consultation with a doctor. Most often it is for adults at a time - 2 tab. (no more than 8 per day), for children from 6 years old - 1 tab. (no more than 3 per day).

Enterobene:

• tab. symptomatic antidiarrheal action;
• is prescribed for children over 8 years old, 1 tab. no more than 4 r / day, from 18 years old - 2 each, maximum 8 tab. per day;
• with the normalization of the stool or in its absence for more than half a day, the enterobene stop drinking;
• there are side effects that are stopped by an antidote (naloxone).

Loperamide:

• available in tab., soluble in water, capsules, syrup;
• slows down intestinal motility, reducing the number of urges to defecate;
• syrup is recommended for children under 5 years of age - 1 mg per 10 kg of weight 3 r / day, school age - 2 mg according to the same scheme, adults - 4 mg each;
• duration of exposure to nerve endings in the intestinal mucosa - 5 hours;
• used in complex treatment.

Cerucal:

• synthetic drug for injection and oral administration;
• the main substance is metoclopramide hydrochloride, which normalizes gastrointestinal motility, acting as an antiemetic;
• administered (in / in or / m) to persons over 14 years of age - 1 amp. 3 r / day. Children from 3 to 14 years old - maximum per day - 0.5 mg per kg of weight. Adults are recommended to take cerucal tablets 3 r / day (1 tab.), Teenagers - 2 times;
• the medicine is taken half an hour before meals with plenty of water;
• there are a number of contraindications.

Enzymes

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• To improve digestion and better digestibility of food, medicines with enzymes are used;
• Pancreatin- tablets or dragees, adult dose 150,000 units / day, children - up to 100,000 units / day;
• Mezim- tablets are taken before meals, for adults - 1-2 tablets, for children the dose is set by the doctor.

Green feces in an adult, the causes of which lie in diseases of an infectious, invasive nature, inflammatory processes, stabilize after being prescribed by a doctor, depending on the diagnosis, a specific drug or complex treatment.

Antibiotics

Levomycetin:

• presented in the form of tablets and powder for intramuscular or intravenous injection;
• participates in the fight against pathogenic microorganisms;
• 2-3 r / day are prescribed, 1 tab.;
• injections are made at the rate of 25 mg of powder per 1 kg of weight 2 r / day for children from 3 to 16 years old. For adults - from 500 to 1000 mg.

Ciprofloxacin:

• the main substance of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride monohydrate, is produced in the form of tablets;
• broad spectrum antimicrobial agent;
• contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation, persons under 18 and over 65 years of age, people with hypersensitivity to the main element of the drug. It is especially carefully prescribed for diseases of the brain, psyche, kidney and liver failure;
• 250 mg 2 r / day is taken;
• course - 7-8 days. Side effects are possible.

Cotrimoxazole:

• available in tab., a representative of the group of sulfonamides;
• a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent, prescribed for gastrointestinal infections;
• not recommended for persons with diseases of the liver, kidneys, blood, during pregnancy and children under 2 months;
• the dose of admission is set by the doctor, the tablets are taken during meals or after it, the drug must be washed down with at least 1/2 glass of water;
• course duration - from 5 days to 2 weeks;
• after the 5th day, a blood test is recommended;
• Cotrimoxazole cannot be combined with a number of drugs.

Rifaximin:

• antibiotic tablets;
• used in the fight against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria that cause infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• pregnant women are prescribed only in extreme cases, in case of illness, during breastfeeding, breastfeeding should be suspended;
• patients over 12 years of age are prescribed 200 mg every 8 hours;
• The course of treatment depends on the condition of the patient and is determined by the doctor.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic drugs

Considering that in an exacerbated course of gastrointestinal disease, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can only aggravate the situation, experts recommend their improved, sparing gastric mucosa, forms - selective COX inhibitors.

Nimesil:

• available in granules to obtain a suspension;
• the active substance is nimesulide;
• prescribed for pain and temperature;
• is prescribed after meals at 100 mg 2 r / day only for adult patients.

Nise:

• the main active ingredient is nimesulide;
• available in tablets, suspensions;
• prescribed: adults - 100 mg per dose 2 r / day, children in the form of a suspension - 3-5 mg per 1 kg of weight up to 3 r / day
• may be recommended for pregnant women.

Bextra:

• contains valdecaxib;
• is issued in the form of tablets;
• designed to combat acute pain, 40 mg is prescribed at a time;
• there are a number of contraindications.

Amelotex:

• contains meloxicam;
• available in tablets, sold by prescription;
• is intended to block pain symptoms for a certain time;
• Amelotex is drunk 1 r / day during a meal, it is prescribed to persons over 15 years of age;
• there are contraindications, side effects and incompatibility with certain drugs.

Antihelminthics

Pirantel:

• contains pyrantel pamoate;
• is prescribed for ascariasis, enterobiasis, hookworm;
• 1 tablet is taken, which must be chewed and then swallowed, if necessary, the reception is repeated after 2-3 weeks;
• the drug has low toxicity, therefore it can be used in the form of a suspension for six-month-old children.

Decaris:

• used as a one-time remedy against worms;
• dose for adults - 1 tab. (150 mg), for children - 1 tab. (50 mg);
• contraindicated up to 3 years, during pregnancy and lactation;
• may be recommended to re-take after 10-12 days.

Praziquantel:

• recommended for people over 4 years old;
• aimed at combating whipworms, tremadots, roundworms, effective in mixed invasive diseases;
• the treatment regimen and dosage is determined by the doctor;
• there are contraindications.

Preparations containing pancreatic enzymes

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The expediency of using this or that remedy and the regimen of administration is determined by the doctor.

Restoration of intestinal microflora

Green feces in an adult, the causes of which are identified as poisoning or dysbacteriosis, will be quickly adjusted when using not only drugs, but also traditional medicine recipes.

The mechanism of action is designed to increase the quantitative composition of microflora useful for the intestines:

Diet

In case of dysbacteriosis and violation of the digestive system, gastroenterologists recommend adhering to the following nutritional rules:

An important role in the diet is given to the consumption of a sufficient amount of water (8-10 glasses per day). Preventing dehydration from diarrhea will reduce the possibility of malfunctioning of the kidneys and the cardiovascular system.

During the period of illness and recovery, nutrition should be fractional and frequent.

The presence of green feces in adults can have a lot of reasons, so it is the privilege of specialists to establish diagnoses and, moreover, prescribe treatment. To help your body quickly and finally recover, you can only follow the doctor's recommendations and maintain the necessary diet.

Article formatting: Lozinsky Oleg

Green stool video

Green feces - symptoms and treatment:

Liquid green stools in an adult appear not only as a result of the characteristics of the diet. It can be a symptom of an intestinal infection, a pathological malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, the result of an allergic reaction, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Only a specialist can find out the exact cause of the problem based on the data of a number of examinations.

Non-pathogenic causes of green stool in adults

Normally, the feces of an adult are brown in different shades and have a semi-solid texture. A large number of factors influence the change in these characteristics, among non-pathogenic ones, the main one is the consumption of the following foods:

• Lots of different cereals. Due to the protective coating of cereals, the body secretes more bile to digest them, which contributes to the coloring of feces green.
• Leafy crops, legumes, fish, red meats (due to high iron content).
• Jelly, caramel and marmalade containing special dyes.

The listed products in most cases do not cause indigestion, abdominal pain or diarrhea, and a few days after stopping eating them, the color of the feces returns to normal. Sometimes diarrhea (due to changes in the composition of microflora) becomes the cause of the appearance of a green tint of feces, or vice versa, thickening of feces, their slow progress in the large intestine. Such phenomena are not always a symptom of an infection or other pathological condition; they can manifest themselves against the background of dietary habits.

Pathologies that change the color of feces

In addition to natural safe causes, a change in the color of feces also causes a number of dangerous diseases and pathologies. In this case, additional symptoms appear. A green tint of feces can acquire with the development of the following ailments:

• Intestinal infections. Accompanied by fever and general intoxication, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain.
• Dysbacteriosis. Due to changes in the intestinal microflora, the processes of fermentation and decay are activated in it. To change the color of feces in an adult to green, bloating and cramps in the abdomen are added.
• Violation of the course of the process of iron oxidation in an ulcer or oncology can cause a change in the color of the feces in a patient.
• With hepatitis, the stool changes from brown to green due to a lack of bilirubin in the liver.
• Allergic reactions can cause digestive problems due to the body's intolerance to the allergen. A change in the color of feces in this case is an uncharacteristic symptom.
• Lactose and fructose intolerance when patients use these products provokes green diarrhea.
• Salmonellosis (an intestinal infection transmitted through contaminated dairy products, meat or eggs). Green loose stools are accompanied by fever up to 39-40 degrees, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• Inflammation of the digestive tract (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammation of the small intestine, gallbladder, and other organs). A characteristic symptom of the inflammatory process is abdominal pain.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease of the stomach in a chronic form due to malfunctions of the digestive processes is sometimes accompanied by a change in the color of the feces in an adult.

Features of green feces in adults

Green feces in an adult may appear asymptomatic. In this case, a revision of the diet is required, a study of the state of the intestinal microflora for dysbacteriosis. In addition to additional clinical signs, it is possible to recognize the disease that caused the symptom by the shade of color and consistency of feces:

• Black-green feces appear with infections in the intestines. The exception is vegetarians - their darkening of feces occurs due to a lack of a number of substances against the background of the exclusion of animal proteins from the diet.
• Light green liquid stools (diarrhea), accompanied by pain in the abdomen, may be a symptom of the development of a serious disease of the digestive tract, poisoning or other pathology. If an adult does not have any symptoms other than a change in stool color and consistency, green diarrhea could be triggered by poor-quality or unusual food or medication.

Investigations for green stool in adults

Green feces in an adult for a long time is an occasion to visit a gastroenterologist to find out the causes of this condition. If the symptom is accompanied by high fever, intoxication and acute pain, a specialist should be contacted immediately. To make a diagnosis, depending on the manifestation of additional symptoms, doctors use the following hardware and laboratory tests:

• general analysis of urine and blood;
• microscopic examination of feces;
• bacteriological examination to identify the causative agent of infection or determine the state of the intestinal microflora;
• colonoscopy;
• gastroscopy;
• MRI or CT of the abdomen.

A physically healthy person can empty up to 2 times a day or 1 time in 2 days. The frequency of bowel movements more than 3 times per day is regarded as a mild degree of diarrhea, and emptying 1 time in 3 days is considered constipation. In addition, the nature of the excrement can indicate the state of the gastrointestinal tract. Green feces in an adult is observed due to various reactions that are both natural and pathological in origin. The color of feces indicates the nature of the processes occurring in the digestive tract. In most cases, the color, texture and smell of stool directly depends on the food you eat.

The reasons

For most people, the stool turns green during the warm season, when people begin to intensively replenish the deficiency of vitamins and nutrients. Large consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits containing green dye can lead to such changes. A huge proportion of green foods is consumed in the summer, so in such cases, the change in stool color is alimentary in nature, and is eliminated without problems when correcting nutrition.

Dark green stools are often seen in vegetarians, especially those who are new to the diet. At first, with a complete transition to plant foods, various digestive disorders occur. Over time, the body adapts to changes in diet and the digestive tract normalizes.

Gray-green feces can occur with increased secretion of enzymes. This process develops in people who are overly fond of fast foods. Heavy fatty foods containing an increased amount of simple carbohydrates provoke the development of digestive problems. No one forbids occasionally pampering yourself with a hot dog or Big Mac, however, if you eat such food all the time, then fermentation processes develop in the intestines, for which the physiological breakdown of products is not typical.

In children of the first months of life, changes in the color of the stool are often observed. As a rule, feces are black-green in color and this is due to the adaptation of the gastrointestinal tract of the newborn to oral food intake. Gradually, the feces become olive, and then the feces acquire a typical brown color. Parents need to remember that the child will adapt to environmental conditions, and changing the color of excrement is part of natural mechanisms.

Diseases

The leading cause of green stool in adults is food poisoning. In most people, a change in the color of the stool occurs due to a number of pathological processes that develop in the digestive system. Faeces turn green in case of problems in work and in case of infectious diseases.

Dysentery

One of the most common foodborne illnesses is dysentery. The causative agent is a microbe from the genus Shigella, it enters the body through the fecal-oral route through contaminated food or water. In the course of inflammatory processes in the intestinal wall, pus is released into the lumen of the digestive tract. It is he who gives the feces a green color. In severe forms of the disease, there may be impurities in the feces and blood. A characteristic feature of dysentery is the presence of painful sensations during the act of defecation.

Rules for washing hands to prevent dysentery

Dysbacteriosis

Another pathology, manifested by a change in stool, is dysbacteriosis. This condition is associated with a massive death of the intestinal microflora. These beneficial microorganisms are necessary for a person to carry out the full digestion of food. Many of the enzymes involved in the processing of the food bolus are synthesized precisely by the microflora, therefore, when it dies, persistent stool disorders occur.

Most often it is a consequence of irrational antibiotic therapy. In addition, with frequent bowel lavage, parietal mucus is washed off, which contains beneficial bacteria, therefore, in the absence of appropriate indications, it is better not to get carried away with this procedure.

salmonellosis

The disease is studied by infectious disease doctors. The causative agent is a bacterium belonging to the genus Salmonella. It is not uncommon when epidemics of this disease develop, especially this is typical for closed groups in which contaminated products are consumed. Salmonella prefers to hide in dairy products (milk, cheese, cream), and in poultry products (eggs, meat). Contaminated food cannot be distinguished by taste, color or texture, so it is not recommended to eat in unverified areas.

Salmonella

The source of infection are infected animals, sick people and bacteria carriers. When a microbe enters the body, it needs up to 3 days to multiply and cause indigestion. The first signs of the disease are not specific and proceed according to the type of general intoxication. In the initial stages, salmonellosis manifests itself:

• Hyperthermia up to 39 ° C;
• nausea;
• headache;
• arthralgia;
• General weakness;
• Decreased appetite.

A day after the onset of the first symptoms, the digestive system is disturbed. In the course of infectious and inflammatory processes in the small intestine, patients complain of. This symptom is characteristic of salmonellosis. In addition, the infected have repeated vomiting up to 3-4 times a day. Stool with salmonellosis is liquid, frequent from 6 or more times per day. The color of the feces is green, the consistency is liquid, foamy, blood impurities can be observed. Unlike dysentery, there is no pain during defecation.

Localization of pain in salmonellosis

When do you need a doctor's help?

In uncomplicated cases, you need to make an outpatient appointment for a consultation with a doctor. If the presence of the disease is suspected, laboratory tests of blood, urine and feces are prescribed. During the study of feces, pathological impurities (blood, mucus), helminth eggs can be detected, as well as the consistency and color of the stool can be assessed. This analysis allows you to clarify the nature, origin and severity of the pathological process.

Additional research methods are assigned to assess the function of the digestive tract and excretory system. For example, a biochemical blood test allows you to see the activity of the liver, kidneys and pancreas. Thanks to get a two-dimensional image of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space.

Treatment

Therapeutic measures are selected depending on the nature of the infectious process. If the cause of the green stool is an infection, then it is necessary to take a course of antibiotics to treat it. Since food poisoning is often accompanied by fluid loss, it is necessary to rehydrate the body. For this purpose, various saline solutions () and / or mineral waters are used.