What Causes Floating Stools?

Floating stools are primarily caused by excess gas or fat in your bowel movements. Gas can become trapped in stool due to swallowing too much air, eating gas-producing foods like beans or carbonated drinks, or digestive disorders. Fat malabsorption, called steatorrhea, occurs when your body can't properly digest fats, often due to conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or pancreatic insufficiency. About 10-15% of people occasionally experience floating stools, which is usually normal. However, consistently floating, greasy, or foul-smelling stools that persist for more than a few days may indicate an underlying digestive condition requiring medical evaluation.

Related Questions

• Are floating stools always a sign of illness?

• What foods can cause floating stools?

• When should I see a doctor about floating stools?

• How do you treat fat malabsorption?

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