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What Causes Colorless Stools?

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Posted on Sat, 16 Jan 2016
Twitter Fri, 15 Jan 2016 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 15 Feb 2016 Last reviewed on
Question : What causes colorless stools?
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (-4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Obstruction from gall bladder.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Colorless or clay colored stools are usually caused by obstruction of outflow of bile. This can be from stones in the gall bladder or inflammation of the gall bladder, or, if it has been removed previously, obstruction of outflow from the liver.

There is a pigment that is in the bile that goes into the stool causing it to look brown. Without this pigment, the stool lacks it's usual color.

Given the combination of colorless stools and nausea, you should definitely have an abdominal ultrasound, and blood tests for levels of bilirubin and liver function.

So, it's time to make an appointment. I hope you feel better soon. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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What Causes Colorless Stools?

Brief Answer: Obstruction from gall bladder. Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, Colorless or clay colored stools are usually caused by obstruction of outflow of bile. This can be from stones in the gall bladder or inflammation of the gall bladder, or, if it has been removed previously, obstruction of outflow from the liver. There is a pigment that is in the bile that goes into the stool causing it to look brown. Without this pigment, the stool lacks it's usual color. Given the combination of colorless stools and nausea, you should definitely have an abdominal ultrasound, and blood tests for levels of bilirubin and liver function. So, it's time to make an appointment. I hope you feel better soon. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.