Is Your Poop Normal?

Greasy Stool

Greasy stools tend to stick to the toilet bowl, and they may be difficult to flush. Drops of oil may be visible in the toilet bowl as well. Patients with greasy stools could have issues with digesting fat, and they may notice symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain, and indigestion. Greasy stools can occur with lactose intolerance, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, Whipple disease, and biliary atresia. They may also develop due to issues with the pancreas, including pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Patients who notice greasy stools regularly should see a doctor for an evaluation.

After taking the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination, the doctor will order additional tests. Patients may need to provide a stool sample, and blood tests could be recommended. Some individuals might need to have imaging studies too. Greasy stools caused by lactose intolerance or celiac disease may be treated with dietary modifications, and individuals with other conditions could be advised to take medication. Some causes of greasy stool could require surgical intervention.

Most Common Causes Of Abnormal Stool

Abnormal stools are usually caused by diet and certain medications, and they can also be an indication of an underlying health issue. Patients may notice changes in the color of their stool after eating certain foods. For example, eating blueberries, beetroot, or licorice could cause the stool to turn black, and patients might also notice a black stool during treatment with iron supplements.

Changes in stool texture could be triggered by diet and medication as well. If the stool becomes hard or lumpy, this may indicate a lack of fiber in the diet. Watery, loose stools may occur after consuming artificial sweeteners or overly spicy food. Common medical conditions such as hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome are associated with stool changes such as blood in the stool. Patients should mention stool changes to their physician.