In hepatitis, what is the color of the patient's stools?

In cases of hepatitis, the color of a patient's stools typically becomes lighter, which is often described as clay-colored or pale. This change occurs due to the decreased excretion of bilirubin into the intestines, which is a result of liver dysfunction. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, as in hepatitis, the normal flow of bile may be obstructed. Bile contains bilirubin, which gives stools their characteristic brown color. If bilirubin cannot reach the intestines, stools will lose this color and become light or clay-colored. This distinction is crucial for recognizing liver-related disorders and understanding the physiological changes occurring in conditions like hepatitis.