I Am Writing To Inquire About The Causes Of Chronic Yellow Stool

Posted on Fri, 31 Jul 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 Answered on

Thu, 7 Aug 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I am writing to inquire about the causes of chronic yellow stool. I am a 33 year old man, with a history of severe GERD, but no other known health issues. For the last 6 or 7 months, I have had chronic yellow stool, non-diarrhea and otherwise typical. It seems to coincide with an uptick in dyspepsia symptoms, which I have had alongside GERD for me whole life. Occasionally, I will get a minor ache under my left rib cage, but outside of that, no other symptoms(no fever, jaundice, vomiting, etc.) I just had comprehensive blood work done a few days ago, with the results coming back normal across the board: Amylase 55, Lipase 35, WBC 7, RBC 4.98, Bilirubin 0.8, AST 20, ALT 26, Alk. Phos 65, etc. What are the likely causes given normal bloodwork, and absent other symptoms, and can any adjustments, dietary or otherwise, be done to address this? Thank you for your feedback, it is appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possibly a side effect of antiacids.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

The test results you have done seem normal and doesn't indicate any health issues.
I think that chronic yellow stools you are having may be caused by taking antiacids .
Some antiacids especially aluminum hydroxide can cause yellow stools as side effects.
I don't think you need further tests to be done.
You can try to stop taking or change the antiacids you are taking.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D