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Warning-sign checks

Stools - pale or clay-colored: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Get emergency help for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, especially with fever, fainting, confusion, marked weakness, or difficulty staying awake.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a healthcare professional the same day if pale stool occurs with yellow eyes or skin, dark brown urine, fever, repeated vomiting, or significant upper abdominal pain.

    These features can occur when bile flow is blocked or the liver or bile ducts are inflamed.

    These symptoms require urgent assessment rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

    Contact your baby’s healthcare professional the same day if the baby passes white, chalky, putty-colored, or very light-gray stool.

    This remains important even if the baby appears comfortable.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if pale stools continue for several days, keep returning, or are accompanied by ongoing itching, poor appetite, unexplained weight loss, or mild belly discomfort.

    You should also seek advice if the change began after starting a medicine.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Stools - pale or clay-colored. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.