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What Causes Floating Stools With Painful Cramps In The Lower Abdomen?

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Posted on Wed, 28 Jun 2017
Question: What causes floating stools ?
Also some lower stomach cramping pain from time to time
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Floating stools, without other symptoms, are usually not a cause for concern and are usually just caused by eating different foods. But in combination with lower abdominal cramping, it may be due to a gut infection (such as a viral "stomach flu"). If there is also an especially foul smell and the stools are not only floating but also greasy, then it can be due to malabsorption such as if you have a problem with eating dairy (lactose intolerance).

I don't know if this is a recent problem, only occurring in these past few days, or an ongoing problem. But if it is an ongoing problem OR if the pain is bad or is increasing, then do go in to be seen by a doctor. If the pain is bad or getting worse, go in to be seen at an urgent care clinic or ER.

If the symptoms have been going on for only a limited time (past few days), then eat foods that you know you usually tolerate, and avoid foods that have been harder for you to digest in the past.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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What Causes Floating Stools With Painful Cramps In The Lower Abdomen?

Brief Answer: Information. Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, Floating stools, without other symptoms, are usually not a cause for concern and are usually just caused by eating different foods. But in combination with lower abdominal cramping, it may be due to a gut infection (such as a viral "stomach flu"). If there is also an especially foul smell and the stools are not only floating but also greasy, then it can be due to malabsorption such as if you have a problem with eating dairy (lactose intolerance). I don't know if this is a recent problem, only occurring in these past few days, or an ongoing problem. But if it is an ongoing problem OR if the pain is bad or is increasing, then do go in to be seen by a doctor. If the pain is bad or getting worse, go in to be seen at an urgent care clinic or ER. If the symptoms have been going on for only a limited time (past few days), then eat foods that you know you usually tolerate, and avoid foods that have been harder for you to digest in the past. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.