Why Should You See A Doctor For Sticky Poop?

Bowel moments can be a sensitive topic for many individuals. However, their frequency, shape, color, and texture can help you with valuable health guidance. Hence, it is necessary to discuss any change in the bowel moments with your doctor. While the diet factors can help in explaining some unusual stools, other types of stools can be a sign of a serious health concern. Here's everything you need to know about sticky and oily poop and when should you see a doctor for the same.

Quick facts on sticky poop:

• Stool with an oily or greasy texture may indicate a problem with fat digestion.
• Some of the causes of sticky poop that are related to certain medical problems, cannot be avoided.
• Oily poop that is caused by the underlying medical condition, can lead towards serious complications if the medical condition is not treated.

What causes sticky and oily poop?

Stools usually have round shape, soft consistency, tapered ends, and smooth surface. Changes in a person's diet can be a reason for alterations in the stool consistency. Improper digestion due to celiac diseases (a health condition that involves the pancreas, or an infection) can also lead to sticky, thick and abnormal looking stools. This kind of poop can be very hard and difficult to flush.

What foods can lead to this?

Eating high fat-foods and individuals who have a problem with digesting fats, may pass greasy, oily, and sticky stools.

How can you avoid it?

One must consume a healthy diet that involves adequate amounts of fiber from vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, lentils, whole grain, and seeds which can promote gut health. A regular exercise, consuming no or less processed foods and having a sufficient amount of sleep can help in promoting healthy bowel movements.

When shall you visit a doctor?

If the changes in the bowel movements persist for more than two weeks, especially in individuals more than 45 years of age. One must also visit a doctor if diarrhea or constipation lasts more than a week, as those problems can be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease, cancer or thyroid issue. Nothing, not even the color and texture of your stool can be ignored. Make sure to visit a doctor at the earliest, if you observe any of the above mentioned issues in your poop.