Although there is wide variability as to what a normal stool can look like, there are also some significant changes to stool appearance that may warrant follow-up. Take a look at stool changes that are not considered normal or typical.
Such symptoms prompt us to investigate further, typically by seeing a health professional, to pinpoint the underlying cause.
Some of the more common causes of hard stool include:
Constipation Lack of adequate water intake Lack of dietary fiber Waiting too long to have a bowel movement Health problems with constipation as a symptom Medications with constipation as a side effect
At times, loose stool may be accompanied by strong urges for passage or a sense of urgency to get to a bathroom quickly. Typically, stools become looser and more watery with repeated trips to the bathroom.
Loose stools can be caused by:
DietStressIntestinal infectionHealth problems with diarrhea as a symptomMedications with diarrhea as a side effect
Your floating stools are not something to be too concerned about if they are:
InfrequentAccompanied by intestinal gasAssociated with a recent diet change
Other symptoms of steatorrhea include:
Foul smellOily appearanceSoiling episodes
Steatorrhea may indicate a problem with fat malabsorption. This means that fats are not being broken down and digested completely at the level of the small intestine. This may be the result of a lack of adequate amounts of pancreatic enzymes and/or bile acids. The cause of these insufficiencies include:
Certain diseases such as pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis Gallbladder removal Gallstones Medication side effects
Different hues of brown Orange Tan Yellow
The following stool color changes should be brought to the attention of your healthcare provider:
Black or tar-colored Green Pale, clay-colored Red (bright or dark)
Blood in stools does not always mean that there is something dangerously wrong with you. It could just be the result of a bleeding hemorrhoid or anal fissure. However, some serious health conditions, such as cancer, can cause blood in the stools.
The causes of pencil-thin stools include:
Colon cancer Diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease Enlarged prostate Polyps in the colon Scar tissue in the colon
