Clay white stools are likely to alarm both parent and child. Healthy stools should be brown or tan in color, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, and they should be yellow if the child is exclusively breastfed. While there are some instances when a white stool is a normal, healthy reaction, more often than not it is a symptom of a serious underlying condition. Parents who observe this should contact their child's pediatrician immediately.
Serious Conditions
Clay white stools usually indicate a problem with the liver or bile duct. A healthy liver produces enough bile to break down toxins and turn bowel movements a normal tan or brown color. If stools are white, either the liver is not producing enough bile, or the bile is being blocked. Likely culprits include cancer, hepatitis, a fatty liver or metabolism problems, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Minor Conditions
Barium sulfate causes white stools. A barium swallow is necessary in order to test for GERD, or gastrointestinal reflux disease, which is common in infants. Parents can also expect their child's stools to be white for the 24 to 48 hours following a barium enema.
High doses of antacids may also cause white stools. Parents should discuss alternatives to antacids with their pediatrician if this is the case. Papaya enzymes decrease stomach acid and also aid digestion, according to popular talk show figure and author Dr. Mehmet Oz.
Tests
Once minor causes are ruled out, a doctor will order blood and/or stool tests to determine the cause of the child's white stool. An elevated white blood cell count indicates the white stools are caused by an infection such as cancer or hepatitis. An elevated enzyme count indicates a blockage, either in the liver or the bile duct. A stool test determines whether there are fats present, indicating either low bile output or malabsorption of nutrients, according to Enzyme Stuff.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment depends on the outcome of the tests. It may be as complicated as surgery and chemotherapy, or it may be as simple as few dietary changes. Dr. Oz recommends plenty of water and fiber for general digestive health. When digestion is functional, the liver has less work to do. High-fiber foods include vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes. Processed foods, fatty foods, sugars and refined carbohydrates should be eliminated from the child's diet.
Warning
A healthy diet does not always ensure a healthy liver. An untreated white stool is a potentially life-threatening condition. Parents should waste no time in contacting their pediatrician to determine the cause and begin a treatment plan.
