In the United States, approximately 3.2 million people are infected with the hepatitis C virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This virus causes long-lasting liver inflammation in affected people. Though many people with hepatitis C do not experience symptoms, symptomatic people can develop stools changes indicative of liver disease. People who exhibit any of the stool symptoms of hepatitis C should consult a physician for further evaluation and care.
Loose Stools
A person with hepatitis C may notice that his stools appear unusually loose or runny. This stool symptom of hepatitis C is the result of diarrhea, a condition characterized by urgent, frequent bowel movements, the Illinois Department of Public Health explains. Loose stool symptoms can occur in conjunction with abdominal bloating, cramping or pain in certain people. People who persistently produce loose or runny stools may lose too much water from their bodies, increasing the risk of developing dehydration. If loose stools occur in conjunction with dizziness, upset stomach, headache, increased thirst or fatigue, affected people should contact a doctor.
White, Pale or Clay-colored Stools
Unusually white, pale or clay-colored stools can be a symptom of hepatitis C, MedlinePlus warns. Liver damage caused by the hepatitis C virus prevents the liver from functioning normally. Poor liver function can cause bilirubin, a yellow-colored waste product, to accumulate within the liver, preventing its release into the intestinal tract. The absence of this pigmented waste substance within the intestine results in stools discoloration. These stool changes should be discussed with a medical professional as soon as possible.
Bloody Stools
Certain people with hepatitis C can develop blood within the stools as a sign of this liver infection. Inflammation within the liver caused by the hepatitis virus can radiate into the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal irritation can cause bleeding within the stomach or intestine, University of Iowa Health Care reports. Bleeding along the gastrointestinal tract can result in the production of bloody stools. People with hepatitis C can notice that their stools appear unusually red or dark due to the presence of blood. Bloody stools can also be a sign of alternate medical problems, such as a stomach ulcer, and should be immediately reported to a physician.
References
- MedlinePlus: Hepatitis C
- Illinois Department of Public Health: Hepatitis C
- University of Iowa Health Care: Liver Disease
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hepatitis C Information for Health Professionals
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I Need to Know About Hepatitis C
