ORANGE GREASE IN TOILET AND COVERING POOP

[DESERT JACK]

For the past two days every time I go poop there are orange grease like bubbles floating around in the water. I looked in the toilet and it is almost like a coating on the poop also. When I wipe it is all orange. What is going on??? Is this normal??? Please help very worried.....

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Greasy stools can be indicative of several GI diseases.  Increased fat content in the stools can lead to this - caused by various malabsorption syndromes.  Sending the stool off for analysis can help with the diagnosis.

Chronic pancreatitis can also lead to greasy stools.  Obtaining blood tests to look at the pancreatic enzymes, along with a CT scan to image the pancreas, can help.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[Jenna215]

I have had the same problem.  I finally traced it to the fat free and/or low-fat chips containing Olestra that I was eating.  Check the nutrition information on the back of anything you may have eaten recently.  If Olestra appears as an ingredient stop eating it and see if the symptoms go away withing a few days.  

[lizziecee]

Hi Jack - I have chronic Crohn's disease which affects absorption of food, particularly fat. I find my stools leave a frothy yellow coating on the top of the water in the toilet pan and even after flushing, there is a "yellow tide mark" around the top of the water which I have to brush away. I also find on bad Crohn's days, my stools float and can take 3 or 4 flushes to remove. In my case, this is usually a sign of inflammation on the inner walls of my intestines and I need to up my meds or see my gastro. As far as I know (after 35 yrs of Crohn's) it means there is a malabsorption problem, which needs addressing. I would seek an appt wih a gastro and see what he/she has to say. I wouldn't ignore it. I think this also could be caused by coeliac disease but not quite sure as I don't have it.
Hope you it sorted out.
Liz.