Are Floating Stools Good Or Bad? What Are The Causes And Treatment

Are Floating Stools Good Or Bad? What Are The Causes And Treatment . Stools are formed in the intestinal tract, which comprises largely of undigested food. While in most cases stools are relatively heavier than water and expelled without strain, in certain cases, stools may be floating and lighter than water. Are floating stools good or bad? This article attempts to provide insights into causes of floating stools and their treatment.

Condition of floating stools can be associated with a variety of medical conditions. Floating stools are not always an indication of ill health, but more often associated with sudden and significant dietary change. While it is fairly uncommon for a layperson to examine his stools and report unless the condition is associated with certain symptoms, here are some causes and treatment for management of floating stools condition.

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There are certain circumstances under which the stools may float. These conditions include excessive amount of gas in the stools which may cause them to float. Occasionally, the viscosity of the stools is relatively poor, which may cause them to float. A unique condition referred to as ‘steatorrhea’ is characterized by high levels of fats in stools, which can also result in floating stools.

Usually floating stools are associated with foul and offensive odor and accompanied with gastro-intestinal symptoms like abdominal distention, abdominal colic or cramps, indigestion, etc.

Floating Stools – Are They Good Or Bad?

There are varieties of factors that are associated with floating stools.

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While most of the factors may be associated with some form of gastro-intestinal problem, the problem usually resolves within a couple of days, without medical intervention. Floating stools may be caused due to sudden change in dietary practice (like a vegan consuming a non-vegetarian meal). In some cases, excessive consumption of legumes or pulses may result in excessive production of gas, which may also cause the stools to float. In some cases, floating stools may be associated with intestinal infections.

While floating stools may not always be a sign of bad health, it is important to understand the causative factor especially in cases of persistent complain of floating stools.

What Causes Floating Stools?

Here are some causes that are associated with the complain of floating stools,

• Sudden change in dietary practice or dietary habit may result in temporary manifestation of the symptom
• Gastro-intestinal infection, diarrhea or excessive production of flatus can also lead to floating stools
• Short bowel syndrome caused due to Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative colitis, may result in mal-absorption, which in turn results in foul and offensive stools
• Genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis can also lead to floating stools
• Intestinal disease like gluten intolerance or lactose intolerance may also be linked with floating stools
• Other conditions like biliary atresia or congenital disorders like abetalipoproteinemia can also lead to this condition.

Treatment For Floating Stools

While in most cases, the condition resolves spontaneously and no specific treatment may be required. However persistence of the condition may require immediate medical attention. However there are certain treatment that can be tried out at home before you seek medical advice.

• Reduce the intake of high fiber diet like whole wheat, oats, etc. These foods can cause excessive production of fat, which may cause the stools to float.
• Reduce the intake of milk and milk products, especially if you are lactose intolerant or have not consumed dairy products for a very long time.
• Home remedies like mint, clove and carom seeds can be beneficial in managing floating stools.

However if there is no relief with home remedies and natural treatment, seek medical attention immediately.