Fecal abnormalities are noticeable changes in your stool's appearance, consistency or content that can signal an underlying digestive problem. These may include visible blood, excess fat, unusual odor, or results from specialized stool tests indicating inflammation or malabsorption.
You may experience one or more of the following signs when fecal abnormalities are present:
Several conditions and factors can lead to abnormal stool findings:
At GastroDoxs in Houston, we combine state-of-the-art stool diagnostics with compassionate, personalized care to address every aspect of fecal abnormalities. Our board-certified gastroenterologists interpret your test results, explain each step in clear terms, and design a treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle. From accurate fecal occult blood and fat testing to targeted nutrition advice and advanced therapies, we're committed to helping you restore digestive health and live life without worry. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward clearer answers and long-term relief.
We've successfully treated more than 1.4K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
A positive fecal occult blood test indicates there is hidden (occult) blood in your stool, which may come from bleeding anywhere in your digestive tract. Further evaluation-such as repeat stool tests, endoscopy, or colonoscopy-is usually recommended to identify the source of bleeding.
The ICD-10 code most commonly used for unspecified fecal abnormalities is K92.8. This code helps healthcare providers track and bill for conditions involving abnormal stool appearance or behavior when no more specific diagnosis applies.
High fat in the stool, known as steatorrhea, typically means your body is not properly digesting or absorbing fat. Common causes include pancreatic insufficiency, gallbladder disease, celiac disease, or other malabsorption syndromes.
Fecal lactoferrin is a protein marker found in white blood cells that appears in the stool when there is inflammation in the gut. Elevated lactoferrin levels often suggest inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's or ulcerative colitis) or an infectious cause of diarrhea.
Hidden (occult) blood in the stool means bleeding is occurring in the digestive tract but is not visible to the naked eye. It can be an early sign of polyps, ulcers, hemorrhoids, cancer, or inflammatory conditions and usually warrants further testing.
You should consult a gastroenterologist if you notice new or persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained blood in your stool, significant abdominal pain, unintended weight loss, or other worrisome digestive symptoms.
Keep a stool diary noting each bowel movement's time, consistency, appearance, and any associated symptoms (pain, urgency, odor). This log helps your doctor identify patterns and potential triggers.
Yes. Fecal occult blood tests and fecal immunochemical tests can detect microscopic blood or cancer-related biomarkers, serving as non-invasive screening tools. A positive result typically leads to colonoscopy for definitive diagnosis.
Most stool tests require minimal preparation, such as avoiding certain foods or medications for a short period beforehand. Your physician will provide specific instructions to ensure accurate results.
Yes. Many fecal abnormalities respond well to targeted treatments like dietary modifications, enzyme supplements, antibiotics, probiotics, or anti-inflammatory medications. A personalized care plan can often resolve symptoms and address the underlying cause.
