What Causes Dark Green Stool And Fecal Incontinence?

Posted on Mon, 4 May 2015

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

Mon, 4 May 2015 Answered on

Thu, 21 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I suddenly, past three days, have dark green stools/leakage. I've had fecal leakage periodically, mostly at night, as I am 67 and pretty inactive. That for about a year, but never green. No green food, no change in meds, just at DR last week to get result of blood test, done every 6 mos due to insulin intolerance. All numbers were good. What recommended?

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Green is indicative of infection / once recovered, physical activities.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.

To recapitulate: Female/67 - dark green stools 3 day - periodic fecal leakage mostly at night - pretty inactive - no green food - no change in meds - blood tests at last week normal - insulin intolerance - Wants recommendation.

As per the history, the green stools indicate an infection of the intestinal tract.
I would advise you the following:
-Tests of stool.
-Tests of blood for Sugar and to see for WBC (infection)
-To get started on appropriate antibiotic for intestinal infection and control of another medical problems if you have any.
You certainly will have to visit your Doctor for clinical evaluation, examination, investigations and proper treatment.
- Take probiotic, yogurt, banana, activated charcoal tablets.

I can understand the inactivity may have some reasons, yet it is better to have some activities so that the muscles tones are maintained all over the body and may also help to have control over the leakage.

I hope this answer helps you to get a proper diagnosis, and get a proper further treatment. Please feel free to ask for more if you need to or if you feel that there is a gap of communication.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar