White stool causes anxiety when it appears, because it is an unusual color for us, but what is the reason why the color of stool sometimes becomes white for some? Especially children! Is it dangerous? And how can it be treated?

Is white stool normal?

Unfortunately, the answer is no, the white stool color is not normal, and you need to consult a doctor urgently, because it may indicate a serious health problem.

Why is the stool color white?

Some may notice that the color of his stool has become white due to a lack of bile, and bile is a digestive fluid that is produced by the liver, and this fluid is stored in the gallbladder and secreted in the small intestine, so in the event that this liquid or bile juice is not produced, or there is a blockage that causes indigestion Exiting the liver, the stool here turns white.

Causes of white stool

This color can appear as a result of various reasons, including:

• Bile duct obstruction due to a stone or tumor can cause white stool color.
• The presence of liver diseases such as cirrhosis or hepatitis resulting from various reasons, including drinking alcohol in large quantities.
• Some babies are born with a narrowed bile duct (biliary atresia).
• Some medications may cause hepatitis caused by medications, which causes a change in the color of the stool, and the color may return to normal after discontinuing these medications by consulting a doctor first.
• Certain medications, such as antacids, or certain materials used in x-rays of the digestive system, such as barium.
• Inflammation or scarring of the bile ducts.
• Narrowing of the bile ducts due to cholecystectomy.
• Presence of cancerous or non-cancerous tumors.
• Preventing the flow of bile due to cysts.

Causes of white stool in children

Only a milk-based diet can be the cause of the white stool color, and the pale color of the stool may be due to:

• The presence of liver disease.
• Obstruction of the bile ducts.
• An enema containing barium.

Treatment and prevention of white stool

Causes of pale stools can be treated and prevented, such as:

• Preventing hepatitis by getting vaccinations for prevention.
• Alcoholic hepatitis can be prevented by not drinking excessively.
• If the cause is unknown, work towards improving bowel movements by eating a well-balanced diet rich in fiber.
• Get treatment for bile duct problems as your doctor will prescribe.

Not all causes of pale stools can be prevented, but some causes can be avoided, such as avoiding alcohol.

Treatment of white stool in children

In the event that the color of the stool changes in your child, you should consult a doctor immediately, to determine the cause and treat the appropriate pale stool in children, he may adjust the diet or he may prescribe medications or sometimes specify surgery.