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Stools - pale or clay colored

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Lower digestive anatomy
Lower digestive anatomy


Stools - pale or clay colored

Definition:

Stools that are pale, or clay- or putty-colored may result from problems in the biliary system (the drainage system of the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas).

Alternative Names:
Acholic stools

Text Continues Below



Considerations:

Jaundiced (yellow) skin often accompanies clay-colored stools.

The liver excretes bile salts into the stool, giving it a normal brown color. Obstruction to the flow of bile out of the liver (you may see the word "cholestasis"), or liver infections like viral hepatitis, may produce clay-colored stools.

Common Causes:

Possible causes for clay-colored stool result from problems in the biliary system, and may include:

The underlying cause should be investigated.



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