Stools - floating

Alternative names:

floating stools

Definition:

Stool that float are generally associated with some degree of malabsorption, the presence of increased fat in the stools, or excessive flatus/gas.

Considerations:

Stool normally is denser than water and sinks. Abnormal stools may float if they contain increased amounts of gas (as from fermentation of unabsorbed sugars) or fat from malabsorption.

Floating stools may be associated with conditions as simple as diarrhea to more complex diseases. Floating stools may occur in conjunction with an extremely foul odor (See stools - foul smelling).

Common causes:

• cystic fibrosis
• gluten-induced enteropathy (sprue, celiac disease)
• idiopathic steatorrhea (fatty stools with no known cause)
• disaccharidase deficiency (insufficient amounts of the sugar-digesting enzymes lactase, sucrase, or isomaltase)
• short bowel syndrome
• biliary atresia
• abetalipoproteinemia

Note: There may be other causes of floating stools. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for floating stools, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.