Pale Stool Color
Many of the symptoms of liver disease are vague and common to other conditions, so that a liver disease diagnosis can be difficult. For example, one symptom that’s often overlooked is pale stool color. While most people would assume that pale stool color is due to light exposure or dehydration, it can also indicate that a person has a condition known as biliary atresia, which is closely related to liver disease.
A pale stool can indicate biliary atresia because the disorder prevents the release of bile from the liver into the intestines. The absence of bile in the intestines causes a buildup of bilirubin, a byproduct of blood breakdown that helps with iron absorption. Bilirubin enters the intestines and combines with water to form a light brown-to-yellow substance called stercobilin that passes through the body during bowel movements. When there isn’t enough bilirubin in the intestines, this substance fails to appear, and stools appear pale yellow or white.
While this disease generally won’t immediately cause any symptoms, it can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Other possible causes of pale stool include a lack of bile pigment or severe diarrhea. Therefore, those with pale stool need to see a doctor as soon as possible—if you’re concerned about your pale stool, don’t hesitate to make an appointment.
