What you need to know about yellow stool
Normal human stool is firm, well formed and brown in color due to remnants of our blood. The brown color of stool ranges from light brown (peanut-butter-like) to dark brown (chocolate-spread-like). Bile and bilirubin originate from red blood cells and give stool its brown color. Dark stool indicates that it has remained in the body longer. In newborn babies, fecal matter is initially yellow-green. The appearance and color of stool can vary greatly in adults and young children. The color of stool can tell us a great deal about our health. An abnormal color can have various causes. A change in color may be caused by certain foods, medications or an underlying medical condition.
Yellow stool is usually accompanied by diarrhea and a strong odor. A strong odor is caused by bacteria, breakdown products of proteins and gases, particularly hydrogen sulfide. A strong odor often indicates a disease. Yellow stool therefore often results from an intestinal disorder and accelerated transit. Do you see yellow stool in your newborn baby? This is completely normal. In newborn babies, stool is often yellow-green.
Yellow stoolYellow stool can be tested to determine the cause. Digestion, bile acids, gluten, bacteria and traces of blood in the stool are examined. The treatment of yellow bowel movements depends on the underlying cause. If there is a disease, it should be treated. If there is also weight loss, fatigue and cramping, it is advisable to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Symptoms of yellow stool and intestinal complaints
- Yellow diarrhea
- A strong, foul odor
Do you also have any of the symptoms below? If so, it is advisable to contact your doctor as soon as possible:
- Vomiting
- Difficulty concentrating
- No urine production
- Fainting
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion
- Jaundice
Tests for yellow stool
For yellow stool, stool testing through Darmklachten.nl may help. See our recommended test packages and individual modules below.
Causes of yellow stool
- Eating ‘yellow’ foods such as carrots or pumpkin
- Gastrointestinal infection with pathogenic bacteria
- Stomach flu
- Gluten intolerance or celiac disease (often greasy and foamy)
- Reduced absorption of food
- Pancreatic disorders
- Gallbladder disorders
- Liver disorders
- Infection
- Medication use
- Laxatives
- Alcohol consumption (often accompanied by mucus)
- Diet
- Gallstones
- Liver disease
- Newborns: stool is often yellow in color, and this is normal
More information about the tests
- Digestive parameters pH, fat, starch, color and consistency of the stool – read more…
- Bile acids – Digestion of fat – read more…
- Antigliadin and anti-ht-Transglutaminase – Markers for gluten intolerance – read more…
- Bacterial infection with Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, Yersinia and Clostridioides diffile – read more…
- Blood in the stool – read more…
About darmklachten.nl
Darmklachten.nl is an initiative of MGlab&Advies, a laboratory specializing in stool testing. …read more
