Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Please help: "clay colored" stools

With respect to bilary obstruction or liver issues, what qualifies as  concerning "clay colored" stools?
I read over and over that pale and clay colors are conerning - but I am hoping to uderstand what color the "clay" being referred to is...is it gray (like sculpting clay)?  orange-ish (like a clay tennis court)?  Far from light brown?
Please let me know the range of concerning colored stools.

Thank you very much in advance.
5 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
ill, you need to have the doc run some tests: liver and pancreatic enzyme level tests and since you mention the right-sided pain, having a gallbladder ultrasound and HIDA scan with CCK injection might not be a bad idea either.
Helpful - 0
1580703 tn?1651904887
how do you check for gallbladder or liver disease?  I have fatty liver disease and clay colored stools some dull pain on the right side
I take choline soemtimes
Helpful - 0
541234 tn?1266675097
1st thing i had clay colored stools dx was IBS had colonoscopy,  i had gallbladder diease  dx 3 yrs later  dr found polyps i was dumping green antifreeze color liquid yellow neon colors with clay color , the  dr will ck for hepetitis A, B, C varieties  , do you have yellow eyes or skin?  iv drug user? medical position pancretitis liver enzymes stool specimins , blood work  gallstones bile ducts plugged  could be anything, see a dr, now walmart sells digestive enzymes look for ingred. amelyse lipase protease  if your organs are stressed you will feel better by adding these our organs produce these enzymes but i was lacking one so it helped me,
i was bloated sick nauseaus food made me sick. tender guts ....
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for the info!...just trying to rule things out.  
if the liver was causing "abdominal pain" ( i assume swelling since there are no nerves?), would it be in both the front side and the back side?  I have some aching in the back, right side - just inside/under the scapula (shoulder blade)...nothing really noticable in the front.  
Cheers!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It's a greyish or whitish color. It's not just a lighter than normal 'brown-type' color, which can often verge on 'yellowy.'
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Gastroenterology Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn which OTC medications can help relieve your digestive troubles.
Is a gluten-free diet right for you?
Discover common causes of and remedies for heartburn.
This common yet mysterious bowel condition plagues millions of Americans
Don't get burned again. Banish nighttime heartburn with these quick tips
Get answers to your top questions about this pervasive digestive problem