Imagine going to the bathroom and finding that your feces are green. Add bloating, cramps and gurgling into the picture. Sounds alarming, right? Quora was the place where one such internet user sought answers. He asked: ‘What is the cause of dark green stools and stomach cramps?” I have dark-green stool, stomach cramps and constant gurgling. My stomach is also tender to the touch. We decided to dig deeper to find the exact cause. Turns out, dark green stool is typically associated with the “rate at which food passes through your gut” — as explained by Dr Harshal Ghanshyam Pise, Associate Consultant, Gastroenterology, ShardaCare-Healthcity.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. This is usually caused by stress or mild infections. Green stool is often caused by stress or mild infection. It can also be due to what you ate. For example, eating spinach, broccoli, or foods with artificial colouring or iron supplements can cause the stool to turn green. It could be due to what you ate, or the faster digestion of your bile caused by stress or mild infections. ‘How can I tell if my chest pain is due to gas or a heart problem?'”An infection is typically the cause of gastroenteritis and it is usually accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting or fever,” Dr Pise explains.On the other hand, IBS presents differently. IBS is a chronic digestive condition that is associated with gut sensitivity, stress, and bloating, bowel irregularities, and discomfort without infection. Story continues below this adWhen to see a doctor? “In severe, persistent or progressive symptoms, you should seek medical attention,” Dr Pise recommends. “The warning symptoms are high fever, severe stomachache (dry mouth, low urinary output), persistent vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 2-3 days.” Other symptoms such as “incomprehensible” weight loss and acute fatigue should not be ignored. Addiitonally, certain age groups, such as children, the aged, and those with low immunity, should seek care earlier.”Although mild symptoms can resolve on their own, early consultation can be used to prevent complications and guarantee correct diagnosis and treatment,” Dr Pise concludes.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.
