Fatty or oily stools that float
Overview
Fatty or oily stools that float are loose, greasy bowel movements that appear shiny and tend to float on the water's surface due to their high fat content. This condition, known as steatorrhea, occurs when the body cannot properly digest and absorb dietary fats.
Common Causes
This condition commonly occurs when your body has difficulty absorbing fats from food, often due to insufficient digestive enzymes from the pancreas or bile from the liver. It can also result from certain medications, digestive disorders like celiac disease or Crohn's disease, or consuming very high amounts of dietary fat. Some people experience this temporarily after eating particularly rich or greasy meals, while others may have underlying conditions affecting their digestive system's ability to process fats properly.
Severity Levels
Mild: Occasional oily stools that float, typically occurring after eating very fatty meals. Symptoms may come and go and don't significantly impact daily activities.
Moderate: Regular floating, greasy stools occurring several times per week, often accompanied by mild abdominal discomfort. May notice increased frequency after eating certain foods.
Severe: Persistent daily oily, floating stools with strong odor, significant abdominal pain, and noticeable weight loss. This level requires immediate medical attention as it may indicate serious digestive disorders.
Medical Attention
Contact your doctor if you notice persistent changes in your bowel movements that last more than a few days. Seek medical attention promptly if you experience additional symptoms like severe abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or persistent nausea and vomiting. If you have a history of pancreatic, liver, or digestive disorders, discuss any new bowel changes with your healthcare provider. Consider seeing a doctor if over-the-counter remedies don't improve your symptoms within a week.
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