Foamy bowel movements are usually closely related to the food you eat or the medication you are taking. However, the appearance of foam in the stool also It could be a sign of a health problem that requires immediate medical attention.
Changes in the size, shape, color, and texture of stool can be important clues to identify various diseases. One of the changes that occur in the stool is when the bowel movements appear foamy.
Foamy stools occur when there is too much fat and mucus in the stool. Mucus discharge may look like foam or be found in foamy stools. Mucus in the stool is generally normal and serves to help expel the stool and protect the intestines. However, too much mucus in the stool can be a sign of changes in the digestive system, which lead to certain diseases.
Clinical Conditions Cause Foamy CHAPTER
In medical terms, too much fat in the stool is called steatorrhoea. This condition can be a sign of fat malabsorption, ie fat is not digested and not absorbed properly. Steatorrhea is generally characterized by oily stools, stools that look pale or like mud, foul-smelling and mushy stools.
In addition to fat malabsorption, foamy defecation or steatorrhea is also part of the symptoms of several clinical conditions, such as pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and abscess or fistula in the anus. Foamy stools need to be watched out for if accompanied by symptoms such as bloody stools, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Digestive System Disorders
Foamy stools or too much mucus in the stool can be a sign of a digestive system disorder, such as:
- Food poisoningIn addition to flu-like symptoms, food poisoning can cause the stool to become slimy.
- Bacterial infectionBacteria Clostridium difficile can cause severe diarrhea accompanied by loose, foul-smelling stools. Other bacterial infections, such as dysentery, can also cause slimy stools.
- GiardiasisGiardiasis is a parasitic infection Giardia lamblia which causes inflammation of the digestive tract. This infection is acquired from contaminated water and food, or swimming. Parasites can be transmitted between people, especially when exposed to infected feces. Symptoms include diarrhea, flatulence, foamy or greasy-looking stools, nausea and abdominal pain, and fever. Treatment is by giving antibiotics from a doctor, and maintaining the body's fluid needs so as not to become dehydrated.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Inflammatory Bowel Disease/IBD)Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are conditions that can cause injury to the intestines. In addition to diarrhea and abdominal pain, this condition allows foamy stools, pus, and even blood.
- ProctitisProctitis is inflammation of the lower part of the large intestine or rectum. Inflammation of the intestines and sexually transmitted diseases can be the cause.
- celiac diseaseCeliac disease is a condition caused by a problem with the immune system, which reacts when eating foods containing gluten, and damages the cells of the lining of the small intestine. This condition also causes fat malabsorption and triggers foamy bowel movements.
Although foamy stools usually go away on their own in a few days or a few weeks, you still need to be aware of other possible causes of foamy bowel movements. Do not hesitate to consult a doctor, especially if foamy stools are accompanied by bloody stools, diarrhea for more than two days (or more than one day in children), fever, and severe abdominal pain.