White Stool: Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor

While normal stools can range in color depending on diet, general health and individual variation, stools that appear white may be a cause for concern. People with white stools should consult a physician to avoid potentially life-threatening health problems.

Types

• White stools may also be described as clay-like, pale or gray in color but are usually normal in amount, frequency and size. Some people may have white stools that are loose and watery like diarrhea.

Identification

• People may notice their stool is white after wiping or when flushing the toilet; parents or caregivers may notice white stools in babies or children during a diaper change.

Causes

• White stools can result from a number of infections, including hepatitis and diseases or abnormalities of the liver, intestines or gallbladder. It also can be the result of side effects from medications such as antibiotics.

Diagnosis

• When diagnosing symptoms of white stools, a doctor may request a specimen, do an internal exam and ask the patient health questions about any other symptoms.

Warning

• White stools can be a sign of a blocked bile duct, which is a serious medical condition that can lead to other health complications, if left untreated.

Considerations

• People who regularly use medications to treat diarrhea, heartburn or indigestion might experience frequent white stools, which usually go away after discontinuing use of the medication.