Why do patients with gastritis pass green stool, and what should they do?
Jun 05, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
Defecation refers to bowel movement. In general, green-colored stool in patients with gastritis may be related to food coloring, increased intestinal motility, changes in bile secretion, intestinal infection, or medication effects. This condition can be managed through lifestyle adjustments and medication. Under medical guidance, patients with gastritis may take medications such as bismuth potassium citrate tablets or colloidal bismuth pectin capsules to alleviate symptoms.
Defecation refers to the act of bowel movement. In general, green stool in patients with gastritis may be related to food coloring, accelerated intestinal motility, changes in bile secretion, intestinal infection, or medication effects. This condition can be managed through lifestyle adjustments or medication. Specific causes are as follows:
1. Food coloring: The color of certain foods can directly affect stool color. For example, consuming large amounts of green vegetables such as spinach or broccoli may cause stool to appear green. This is usually not a cause for concern.
2. Accelerated intestinal motility: Gastritis can impair normal gastric digestive function, leading to faster passage of food through the intestines. When food moves too quickly, there is insufficient time for bile to be broken down into its usual brown pigments, which may result in green stool.
3. Changes in bile excretion: Bile, produced by the liver, aids in fat digestion and gives stool its brown color. In cases of gastritis, impaired digestive function may disrupt bile secretion and metabolism. This can prevent bilirubin in bile from undergoing normal transformation, leading to green-colored stool.
4. Intestinal infection: Certain gastrointestinal infections, such as those caused by Salmonella, Yersinia, or Pseudomonas, may trigger intestinal inflammation and abnormal digestion. These infections can accelerate intestinal transit and interfere with normal bile secretion and absorption, resulting in green stool.
5. Medication effects: Some medications, particularly antibiotics, can disrupt gut flora and the normal enterohepatic circulation of bile, potentially causing green stool. This is especially true for drugs that interfere with digestion or alter intestinal microbiota.
Patients with gastritis may take medications such as bismuth potassium citrate tablets or colloidal pectin bismuth capsules under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms. They should also maintain a light diet and avoid spicy, irritating foods such as chili peppers and garlic to prevent further stomach irritation. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended.
