Green stool

Does anyone know what would cause a stool to be green and 'fuzzy' looking, kind of like algae? The patient hasn't started any new meds, has no s/s of any GI disorder, not taking iron supplements. She said it just started and I had no answers as to why this would be.

Any ideas?


Too much spinach/kale/collards?

I am a medical assistant and work in pediatrics. I am not quite a nurse, but I will be starting my journey in September.Not sure if this pertains to adults but we always have lots of questions regarding stool from new parents. I have learned and always tell parents when they call about the color of the infants stool that they shouldn't be worried of the color unless it is red, black, or white. Again, I am not a nurse but just giving some input. Like the previous poster, what did the patient eat?I was in a really bad car accident when I was 16. I had a tear in my colon and had to have a colostomy (temporarily, it was reversed a few months later). I had eaten a bunch of red licorice, when I looked down at my bag and saw how red it was I freaked out and called the nurse into my room. I thought I was dieing. Turns out, it was from the licorice. Me and the nurses, and people I tell to this day sit back and laugh about it.

Does anyone know what would cause a stool to be green

Quote from Turd.FergusonIt comes from eating green eggs and ham.

Well, acually that happens if you eat a lot of lettuce and the like, or sushi with the seaweed. I would first ask about diet.

so strange I had to show my friend

Nope... no kale, collards, lettuce (minimal), no green food coloring products. That's why I'm stumped!

Sometimes something with purple dye will cause your stool to turn green. My preschooler has been wanting Kool Aid lately (grape) and my hubby freaked out one day when her stool was green.

did a quick google search here are a few causes of green stool:salmonella - can cause greenish stool (usually diarrhea) giardia - can cause greenish stool (usually diarrhea) swallowed postnasal drip - ie. from an upper respiratory disorder intestinal disordergastroenteritiscertain foods antibiotic uselaxative usemedication side effectsceliac diseaseulcerative colitiscrohn's diseasemalabsorptionirritable bowel syndrometraveler's diarrheacancer

Even though she may not be having GI problems, if the green stool continues I'd definately see a Gastroenterologist. Couldn't hurt to do some stool studies.

Froot Loops, Lucky Charms and a handful of others...this happens to me...

When both of my kids were toddlers, an upset stomach would turn their stool 'grass' green. Doc said not to worry, so i didn't.