Question
My newborn has green stools along with rashes and vomiting. What could be the cause?
Answer
The appearance of green stools is related to the chemical changes of bile in the intestines. In the upper part of the small intestine, due to the action of bilirubin and biliverdin, feces appear yellow-green; when they reach the large intestine, biliverdin is reduced back to bilirubin, and the feces color turns yellow. For breastfed babies, since the feces are acidic, oxidative bacteria may convert bilirubin to biliverdin, making the feces slightly green, which is normal. However, for formula-fed babies, since the feces are alkaline, bilirubin may further reduce to colorless biliverdin, resulting in a lighter stool color. If formula-fed babies pass green stools, it may indicate rapid intestinal movement or inflammation, which could be a symptom of diarrhea. Based on your description, your baby’s diarrhea may be caused by enteritis. It is recommended to conduct a routine stool examination for confirmation. For babies with diarrhea accompanied by a cold, you can try the following medications: Double-punch pseudoephedrine dispersible tablets, vitamin C, ribavirin granules, Simethicone, and Lactobacillus. Here are some summaries and suggestions for diarrhea that may be helpful to you:
- Common causes of baby diarrhea include indigestion and enteritis. Foamy stools often indicate indigestion, which may be due to food