Stools - pale or clay-colored Health Article

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Reviewer Info: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 08/08/2008

Definition

Stools that are pale, or clay- or putty-colored may result from problems in the biliary system (the drainage system of the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas).

Considerations

The liver releases bile salts into the stool, giving it a normal brown color. You may have clay-colored stools if you have a liver infection or if the flow of bile out of the liver is blocked.

Yellow skin (jaundice) often accompanies clay-colored stools due to build up of the bile chemicals in the body.

Common Causes

Possible causes for clay-colored stools may include:

There may be other causes not listed here.

Call your health care provider if

Call your health care provider if your stools vary from the normal brown color.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms. Questions may include:

  • When did the symptom first occur?
  • Does the discoloration affect every stool?
  • What medicines do you take?
  • What other symptoms do you have?

Tests that may be done include:

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