Pale Stools
It’s not uncommon for the stool to vary in brown shades, primarily due to diet. However, pale stools aren’t normal. Clay-colored stools may indicate an issue with the biliary system’s drainage, including the pancreas, gallbladder, and liver. The reason why stools are colored brown is because of the bile salts released into them by the liver. If the flow of bile is obstructed or the organ cannot produce enough bile, it may result in pale stools.
Pale stools aren’t necessarily worrying if they occur occasionally. However, if it happens frequently, you need to see a physician as it’s a sign of a severe illness or disease. Common triggers for pale stools are viral and alcoholic hepatitis, biliary cirrhosis, gallstones, sclerosing cholangitis, biliary stricture, tumors, and cysts. In addition, specific medications like NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anabolic steroids, birth control medication, and particular antibiotics may also cause it.
The diagnosis usually involves specific tests like CT scans, MRCP, abdominal ultrasound, and blood tests. Treatment for the condition will depend on what’s causing it. For example, if specific medications are responsible for the pale stool, the doctor may recommend lower dosages or an alternative drug.
