My 3 year baby poop is dark green in color since last two days. He has cold and have been coughing. Is green colored poop common during cold?

Question

Accepted Answer

It is not uncommon for a child's stool to appear dark green when they are sick with a cold or cough, especially if there are changes in their diet or if they are taking medications like antibiotics or cough syrup. Here are a few possible reasons for green poop in your child:

1. Increased Mucus in the Stool:

When a child has a cold or cough, their body produces more mucus, which can sometimes show up in their stool, giving it a greenish color. This is especially true if your child has nasal congestion and is swallowing more mucus than usual.

2. Changes in Diet:

If your child is eating more fruits, vegetables, or foods rich in iron, this can sometimes cause the stool to turn green. Iron-rich foods or supplements can sometimes change the color of stools.

3. Antibiotics or Medications:

If your child is on antibiotics or any medication for the cold or cough, this could also affect the color of the stool, making it appear green.

4. Infection:

A green stool can sometimes indicate a gastrointestinal issue such as a mild infection or irritation, though this is less likely if there are no other concerning symptoms like vomiting, fever, or diarrhea.

5. Normal Variation:

Occasionally, green stool can simply be a normal variation, especially if your child has been eating foods like spinach or other green vegetables.

When to Be Concerned:

If the green stool is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting.

If your child is not eating or drinking well, becomes lethargic, or shows signs of dehydration.

If the green stool persists for more than a few days or if you're unsure about any other symptoms.

What You Can Do:

Continue to offer fluids, especially if your child has a cold or is coughing.

Monitor your child’s other symptoms and look for any signs of discomfort or worsening of the condition.

If you're concerned, especially if the green stool persists or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms, it would be a good idea to consult with your pediatrician for further evaluation.

In most cases, green poop during a cold is temporary and should resolve once your child starts feeling better.