Yellow stool may indicate a malabsorption disorder caused by a parasite, illness, or disease. Malabsorption of fat can lead to an increased fat content in stools, which can be pale, large, foul-smelling, and loose. This is known as steatorrhea, and complications may include: malnutrition.
Viral or bacterial infections and parasitic infections can affect digestion and cause foul-smelling stool or diarrhea. These include: Salmonella: This is a bacterial infection that can cause foul-smelling diarrhea. Giardiasis: Giardia is a protozoa-type parasite that can cause diarrhea with foul stool.
Rotavirus often begins with a mild fever and is followed by vomiting and an upset stomach, as well as increased amounts of watery diarrhea many times a day. Anyone caring for small children should know the symptoms of rotavirus, including: Frequent, watery diarrhea (often foul-smelling, green or brown)
Yellow stool by itself does not lead to complications, but the underlying cause of it might. Yellow stool may indicate a malabsorption disorder caused by a parasite, illness, or disease. Malabsorption of fat can lead to an increased fat content in stools, which can be pale, large, foul-smelling, and loose.
Yellow/Pale Brown/Grey: Bright yellow diarrhea can signify a condition known as Giardiasis (see sidebar). Stool that is yellow or pale can also result from reduced production of bile salts, since a normal, brown-coloured stool acquires its hue from breaking down bile.
When to Visit the ER for Diarrhea. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible for diarrhea with these symptoms: Diarrhea lasting more than two days. Blood or pus in the stool.
Schedule a doctor's visit for an adult with these symptoms:
Diarrhea lasts more than two days without improvement. Excessive thirst, dry mouth or skin, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, or dark-colored urine, which could indicate dehydration. Severe abdominal or rectal pain.
Treatment depends on what is causing your yellow diarrhea. Treatment may include taking an antibiotic, antiviral, or antiparasitic if your diarrhea is caused by some type of infection or parasite. It could also include learning what foods you should avoid if your problem is genetic or from chronic inflammation.
Symptoms of giardiasis
tummy pain or cramps. farting (flatulence) smelly burps – they may smell like eggs.
COVID-19-related diarrhea and nausea
Diarrhea caused by COVID-19 tends to be more watery, yellow or green in color. It may be accompanied by cramping and bloating. If you have COVID-19, you will likely develop other symptoms within a day or two, such as fever, cough, congestion and/or loss of taste and smell.
In Pancreatic Cancer: Jaundice typically occurs in pancreatic cancer when a tumor in the head of the pancreas first narrows, then obstructs the common bile duct, blocking the flow of bile. Other Causes: Gallstones, which are primarily made up of cholesterol, are a common cause of jaundice.
Bile acid diarrhea (BAD) is a common cause of chronic diarrhea and is characterized by excess bile acids (BAs) within the colon, resulting in increased colonic motility and secretion. Patients with BAD can also present with urgency and abdominal cramping.
Yellow Poop
Fat absorption can be disrupted by parasites, illnesses or congenital diseases causing inflammation in the pancreas. Yellow poop is usually a sign of a medical problem that needs attention. If your yellow stool is present for more than two days, contact your doctor.
Causes of diarrhea that are not due to acute illness include eating certain foods, food allergies and intolerances, some medications, caffeine intake, laxative use, alcohol use, digestive problems and diseases (celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, small intestinal ...
Some people may experience yellow diarrhea or smelly poop after gallbladder removal. The larger amounts of bile reaching the colon may cause irritation resulting in diarrhea with a yellow hue. The increased amounts of bile salt can also make one's bowel movements have a more potent smell as well.
Consult your health care provider if you're concerned about your stool color. If your stool is bright red or black — which may indicate the presence of blood — seek prompt medical attention. Food may be moving through the large intestine too quickly, such as due to diarrhea.
IBS is a bowel disorder that causes diarrhea, pain, and discomfort during times of stress. IBS is also known to cause yellow stool. It is considered a separate issue from anxiety, but the two have been linked in many studies and many of those with IBS appear to have developed some type of anxiety disorder.
You can't see, smell or taste E. coli O157:H7 bacteria, but it can be deadly.
Most of the time, diarrhea is simply your gut's way of getting rid of a harmful invader, like a bacteria or virus. However, in some cases, diarrhea is caused by a malfunction of the gut, as is the case with inflammatory bowel disease. Many viruses can cause diarrhea.