Home Care:

Floating stools alone do not indicate an illness or problem, and they do not require home care. If a change in diet has caused problems, try to find and eliminate the offending food.

Call your health care provider if:

It is important to discuss a change in stool characteristics with a doctor if it continues for more than a couple of weeks. If blood, fever, or dizziness accompanies these changes, consult a doctor immediately.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

A health care provider will normally take a family history and disease history, and will perform a physical examination.

A stool sample and blood tests may be requested. In most cases, however, these tests will not be needed.

You may be asked the following medical history questions:

• When did you first notice the floating stools?
• Does it happen all the time or from time to time?
• What is your basic diet?
• Does a change in your diet change your stools?
• Do you have other symptoms?
• Are the stools foul smelling?
• Are the stools an abnormal color (especially pale or clay-colored stools)?

Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis. Strictly follow your health care provider's instructions, including diet recommendations.