Abnormal Feces C0162287
Stool that appears abnormal in color, consistency, or content due to diet, infections, or digestive disorders. Treatment addresses the underlying cause.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- K76.9
- ICD-11
- DA00.0
- Body system
- gastrointestinal
- Severity
- mild
- Chronic
- false
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Bloody stool
Presence of bright red blood or blood mixed with stool, indicating bleeding in the digestive tract.
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice blood in your stool, as it may indicate a serious condition.
Black tarry stool
Dark, tarry stools that may indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract, often caused by ulcers or gastritis.
Seek immediate medical care for black, tarry stools as this may indicate internal bleeding.
Narrow ribbon-like stool
Thin, narrow, or ribbon-shaped stools that may indicate narrowing or obstruction in the colon.
Seek medical evaluation promptly as narrow stools may indicate a colon obstruction or growth requiring assessment.
Green stool
(gastrointestinal)Stool that appears greenish in color, often caused by rapid bowel transit time or consumption of certain foods or supplements.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Floating stool
(gastrointestinal)Stool that floats in the toilet bowl, often indicating malabsorption of nutrients or excess gas.
Frequency: 20-30% of patients
Mucous in stool
(gastrointestinal)Presence of slippery, jelly-like substance in stool, which may indicate inflammation or irritation of the intestinal lining.
Frequency: 15-25% of patients
Very foul-smelling stool
(gastrointestinal)Abnormally bad-smelling bowel movements that may indicate malabsorption, infection, or certain dietary factors.
Frequency: 25-35% of patients
Undigestible food in stool
(gastrointestinal)Presence of visible undigested food particles in stool, which may indicate rapid digestion or digestive enzyme deficiencies.
Frequency: 20-30% of patients
Pale clay-colored stool
(gastrointestinal)Light-colored, pale stools that may indicate reduced bile flow from the liver or gallbladder.
Frequency: 5-10% of patients
Watery diarrhea
(gastrointestinal)Loose, watery stools that occur frequently, which may indicate infection, food intolerance, or inflammatory bowel conditions.
Frequency: 60-70% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Dietary fiber supplementation
Adding soluble and insoluble fiber to the diet helps normalize stool consistency and promotes regular bowel movements, addressing common abnormalities.
GI disease management
Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.
Hydration optimization
Ensuring adequate daily water intake is essential for maintaining proper stool moisture and consistency, preventing both constipation and diarrhea.
Additional treatment options
Stool observation diary
Keeping a detailed log of stool characteristics helps identify patterns and triggers, guiding appropriate lifestyle and dietary interventions.
monitoringProbiotic therapy
Probiotic supplements support gut health and can improve stool quality by restoring beneficial intestinal bacteria balance.
complementarySymptomatic medication
Depending on the specific abnormality, medications such as anti-diarrheals, laxatives, or bile acid sequestrants may be prescribed.
medicationWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Feces C0162287?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
American College of Gastroenterology. ACG Clinical Guideline: Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(1):17-44.
Lewis SJ, Heaton KW. Stool form scale as a useful guide to intestinal transit time. Scand J Gastroenterol. 1997;32(9):920-924.
US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Colorectal Cancer Screening: Recommendations for Physicians and Patients from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Gastroenterology. 2023;165(1):85-121.
Drossman DA, Hasler WL. Rome IV-Functional GI Disorders: Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction. Gastroenterology. 2016;150(6):1257-1269.
World Health Organization. Diarrhoeal Disease. WHO Fact Sheets. 2023. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diarrhoeal-disease
Thomsen M, Valera R, Shin J. Approach to Diarrhea in Adults. Med Clin North Am. 2022;106(3):453-468.
Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2021.
American Gastroenterological Association. AGA Clinical Practice Update: Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Diarrhea. Gastroenterology. 2024;166(3):483-495.
Gao R, Tao Y, Zhou C, et al. Stool-based microbiome test for colorectal cancer screening: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Chin J Cancer Res. 2022;34(4):343-356.
Lacy BE, Patel H, Guerin A, et al. Characterization of bowel habit in a large population-based study. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020;18(7):1676-1685.
Medication Comparisons
Compare medications used to treat Abnormal Feces C0162287. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.
View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy