Re: Stool color

Posted By Robert on July 28, 1998 at 16:39:34:

In Reply to: Re: Stool color posted by HFHSM.D.-rf on July 28, 1998 at 16:27:50:






I am a 42y/o male.  About 5 days ago, I noticed that my stool
was a reddish brown color, not streaked, but throughout. It was
not as dark as burgundy. The 24 hrs before that I had consummed
pasta with lots of tomato sauce, and a slice of pizza.  I should
also mention that I had just started taking Biaxin (500mg) and
Metromidazole (500mg)for H Pylori eradication. I also saw "pieces"
of what appeared to be the tomato/onion in the stool.
I avoided red food/drink items for 3 days after that, and my
stools returned to normal color.  I again consumed sauce in the
past 24hrs, and have had 1 movement which was normal color.
My question:  Could the food and/or meds just starting up have
caused this change in color?  I had a barium enema Xray in 1991
and a flexible sig. in 1995, both normal.  Thanks.
__
Dear Robert,
The color of your stool can be influenced by what you eat.  Obviously, the major concern is that you had colonic bleeding.  If your stool remain normal color, you may ask your physician to do a stool guaiac test (check the stool for blood).  If your stool again turn red or burgundy, you will need to see your doctor immediately to have an appropriate evaluation to determine the cause.  A nimber of different conditions can cause colonic bleeding.  Colon polyps/cancer, hemarrhoids, diverticulosis can present with bleeding, although you are young for a diverticular bleed.
This information is presented for educational purposes only.  Always consult your personal physician for specific medical questions.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: gastrointestinal bleeding
0.2
Thanks for the prompt response.  Given the length of time that it takes
for a polyp to grow, and then turn cancerous, and given my examinations
noted above, is it unlikely that I have such a problem?  Also, the side
effects noted on my meds mentioned melena...could the medicine have colored
the stool?  Thanks again.