Pooping - clinically known as passing stool or moving the bowels - is a normal part of digestion. That's just how the body gets rid of waste. But sometimes, it becomes an awkward puzzle when the toilet bowl refuses to go down in a single flush, creating confusion, embarrassment, and even panic when one's not at home.
According to a report by The Healthy, stool that doesn't flush is not an uncommon problem, according to William Palmer, MD, associate professor of gastroenterology and hepatology at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. This can happen from time to time, but he says if this happens frequently, it could be a symptom of an intestinal malabsorption condition wherein the body is unable to properly absorb nutrition. A frequent feature of this condition is excess fat in the stool.
Also Read | Foamy pee? Before you panic, know what your kidneys might be saying
What makes poop too big or too heavy to flush?
As per the report by The Healthy, bulky stools can occur for several everyday reasons, according to Kenneth Josovitz, MD, a gastroenterologist with Gastro Health in Woodbridge, Va. Large meals, increased water and fibre intake, constipation, dehydration, limited exercise or digestive discomfort from travel may all contribute. Certain medications can also play a role, along with underlying conditions such as diabetes, diverticulitis, hypothyroidism, tumours or Parkinson's disease.
Why does stool sometimes float or stick to the bowl?
The report says, if the stool is denser than water, it sinks. But if it contains too much fat, fibre or gas, it will float and may be tougher to flush. Dr Josovitz says these cases are usually harmless and often resolve on their own.
Stool sticking to the toilet bowl or leaving oily droplets could be an indication of a digestive problem. Dr Palmer says that people with conditions like celiac disease, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, lactose intolerance, dairy intolerance, or pancreatic disorders can experience this. Doctors use the Bristol stool chart to help in classifying the types of stools for diagnosis.
Also Read | What really happens to your body when you swap sugar for jaggery?
When should you see a doctor?
Floating, greasy or foul-smelling stools regularly may point to malabsorption problems like lactose intolerance, Giardia infection, or pancreatic disease. Seek medical intervention if there is persistence of symptoms, alteration of bowel habits, weight loss, stomachache, or unusual dark or pale colouration of the stool.
The report further states, most hard-to-flush stools are harmless; however, patterns matter. It is the persistence of problems-especially with additional symptoms warrant an evaluation by a gastroenterology specialist.
