What does it mean if you have pale stool?

Answer by  leon11416 (35)

Pale stool can be caused by a lack of bile in the system. Bile is what helps emulsify and break down fat. Bile salts gives stool its brown color.

Answer by  Enigma10 (17)

The variation of stool is influenced by age, diet and known preexisting health conditions. IBS, irritable bowel syndrome, is a condition that can mimic many symptoms of bowel conditions. Pale stool is one, but if this condition does not exist, a pale stool could indicate a bowel infection.

Answer by  Milette (1105)

May result from problems with the biliary system. This may be due to cancer, gallstones, certain medications or narrowing of the bile ducts.

Answer by  valerie87 (20)

Diseases that obstruct or impair bile excretion can make your stool pale. Some examples are giardia parasitic infection, hepatitis, gallstones, liver cirrhosis. Antacids containing aluminum hydroxide, some antibiotics and antifungals may also be the cause of pale stools. If pale stools are shiny and foul smelling as well, then consider the presence of undigested fat.

Answer by  daubachsgirl23 (244)

Pale stool can be a symptom of liver, pancreas, and gallbladder problems. It could be a result of a liver infection.