Stools - floating

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Lower digestive anatomy

Floating stools

Floating stools alone do not indicate an illness or problem, and they do not require home care. If a change in diet has caused problems, try to find and eliminate the offending food.

It is important to discuss a change in stool characteristics with a doctor if it continues for more than a couple of weeks. If blood, fever, or dizziness accompanies these changes, consult a doctor immediately.

A health care provider will normally take a family history and disease history, and will perform a physical examination.

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A stool sample and blood tests may be requested. In most cases, however, these tests will not be needed.

You may be asked the following medical history questions:

• When did you first notice the floating stools?
• Does it happen all the time or from time to time?
• What is your basic diet?
• Does a change in your diet change your stools?
• Do you have other symptoms?
• Are the stools foul smelling?
• Are the stools an abnormal color (especially pale or clay-colored stools)?

Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis. Strictly follow your health care provider's instructions, including diet recommendations.

Review Date: 04/12/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).