Why does poop float

When that happens, your poop floats simply because air is less dense than water. This is pretty normal, and only happens every once in a while. Another reason for floating poop, however, is a bit more worrisome.

Think of it like a separated salad dressing—the oil fat floats to the top. De Latour says. Instead, floating poop and the excess fat that causes it are an indicator of several different health problems—all of which have the same symptom in common: malabsorption.

De Latour. That means something in your digestive system is out of whack, making you unable to digest your food properly. De Latour says malabsorption and floating poop is typically caused by three main conditions: celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or pancreatitis. All three health conditions mess with your digestion. Do you have questions about your poop and your health?

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Unsurprisingly, malabsorption can lead to floating poop. Conditions that disturb the lining of your digestive tract can have this effect, such as:. Chronic pancreatitis is when there's inflammation in your pancreas. The condition is usually a result of gallstones or long-term alcohol abuse. It often occurs after acute, or sudden, pancreatitis. It's also linked to diabetes. While floating stool is common in pancreatitis, you may experience other symptoms as well.

Stomach pain, back pain, bloating, and weight loss are all common. Sclerosing cholangitis affects the bile ducts in and around your liver. It's closely linked with ulcerative colitis. The condition is marked by inflammation, scarring, and destruction of these bile ducts. Along with floating stools, symptoms include:. Choledocholithiasis is when you have one or more gallstones in the common bile duct. The condition doesn't provoke any symptoms unless the stone blocks the bile duct.

As well as floating stools, you might feel pain in the right upper or middle upper stomach. The pain usually lasts for at least 30 minutes. Fever, jaundice, nausea, and vomiting can also occur. You may lose your appetite. Although pancreatic cancer isn't common, it's another potential cause for floating stool. One of the first symptoms of pancreatic cancer is jaundice, or yellowing eyes and skin.

But that's not all. Jaundice can also be characterized by certain stool changes. It can cause pale or gray stools , as well as greasy, floating stools. Stools that sometimes float shouldn't alarm you. That said, some types of stool changes may be symptoms of a condition that requires treatment. Steatorrhea , or fatty stool , is often caused by an underlying condition.

Consult your healthcare provider if you notice changes in your bowel habits that last more than two weeks. Tell your healthcare provider if you're having additional symptoms, like:. Talk to your healthcare provider if the changes in your bowel habits last longer than two weeks and if you're having other symptoms, like stomach pain, weight loss, or a fever.

Floating stool due to excess gas is often harmless and goes away without treatment. By now, you know that diet can play a role in the development of floating stools. So, it's possible that adjusting your diet may help with this issue. For example, some dietitians and healthcare providers recommend that you take out one or two foods from your diet at a time.

That way, you can test if those foods contribute to floating stools. Your healthcare provider may also suggest that you keep a record of the foods you eat and your bowel movements. A record can help your healthcare provider see if there's a pattern or connection between the food you eat and your stools. If you're not able to absorb fat properly, you may have a condition called steatorrhea that can cause your stool to float. The treatment for steatorrhea depends on the primary condition behind it.

For instance, steatorrhea can be caused by a condition called cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis treatment often involves digestive enzyme supplements similar to those your pancreas normally releases. If a certain food makes gas worse, you might not have to avoid it.

You can find enzyme supplements over the counter. These supplements can help you digest certain foods, such as beans and milk. Eating smaller portions can also help. Many foods that can cause gas also have positive traits. Beans, for instance, have about 10 grams of fiber per cup and are rich in antioxidants. Rather than avoiding these foods, try:. Most of the time, excessive gas is the reason why your stool is floating.