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Fecal Abnormalities

At GastroDoxs, we specialize in advanced fecal abnormality diagnostics, offering comprehensive stool analysis and interpretation tailored to the community, ensuring timely detection of gastrointestinal disorders and personalized treatment plans with quality care right here in our hometown clinic.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Bharat Pothuri
Symptoms

What Are Fecal Abnormalities?

Fecal abnormalities are unusual changes in the appearance, consistency, or passage of your stool. You may notice odd colors-pale, very dark, red-or find blood, mucus, or a sticky, greasy texture. These signs often prompt doctors to run tests such as a fecal fat test, fecal calprotectin, or specialized stool stains to identify the underlying issue.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of fecal abnormalities can vary, but often include:

  • Pale, black, or bright red stool
  • Loose stools or frequent diarrhea
  • Thin, narrow, or bulky stool shapes
  • A strong urge to pass stool with little to no output (tenesmus)
  • Oily, greasy, or foul-smelling stool (steatorrhea)
  • Positive fecal occult blood test
  • Fatigue related to vitamin B-12 deficiency

Causes

Several factors and conditions can trigger fecal abnormalities:

  • Infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic)
  • Food allergies or intolerances
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
  • Pancreatic insufficiency or gallbladder disorders
  • Colon polyps or colorectal cancer
  • Medication side effects
  • Imbalances in gut bacteria (dysbiosis)
Treatment

Treatment Options for Fecal Abnormalities in Katy

Treatment includes dietary adjustments, supplements, and targeted medical therapies:

  • Diet changes: Low-fat, high-fiber or low-FODMAP plans to normalize stool consistency.
  • Probiotics: Beneficial bacteria to restore healthy gut flora and reduce symptoms.
  • Digestive enzyme supplements: Support fat and nutrient breakdown to alleviate greasy or sticky stool.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications: Prescribed for conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis to calm gut inflammation.
  • Antibiotics or antiparasitic drugs: Target bacterial or parasitic infections that can alter stool appearance and function.
  • Vitamin and mineral support: B-12 and iron supplements to correct deficiencies from chronic diarrhea or bleeding.
  • Hydration and stress management: Adequate fluid intake and stress-reduction techniques to improve overall digestive health.
  • Regular stool testing: Fecal fat, calprotectin, and occult blood tests to monitor progress and guide treatment adjustments.

Why Choose GastroDoxs?

With a focus on patient-centered care and comprehensive digestive health solutions, GastroDoxs provides expert diagnostics and effective treatment for fecal abnormalities and related conditions. Our approach is rooted in compassionate, personalized care to help you achieve long-term relief and improved quality of life. Book your appointment today at our Katy clinic and take the next step toward healthier digestion.

1.4K

Patients Treated

We've successfully treated more than 1.4K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does R19.5 mean?

R19.5 is the ICD-10 code used for "other fecal abnormalities" when stool changes don't fit into more specific categories.

What's fecal calprotectin for?

Fecal calprotectin measures inflammation in the gut. It's especially useful for diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis.

Why would stool cells look abnormal?

Abnormal stool cells can result from infections, irritation, or inflammation in the digestive tract. Stool stains help us examine these cells to pinpoint the underlying cause.

What's a K9 fecal stain?

A K9 fecal stain is a veterinary test used to detect parasites, bacteria, or other issues in dog stool. It's not performed on humans.

What's abnormal stool flow?

Abnormal stool flow refers to difficulties like leakage, passing stool in small pieces, or straining due to weak pelvic muscles or nerve problems.

What does high fecal fat mean?

High fecal fat indicates your body isn't digesting fats properly, often due to pancreatic insufficiency or gallbladder dysfunction.

Can low B-12 and blood in stool be linked?

Yes. Chronic bleeding in the gut can deplete vitamin B-12 levels over time, leading to fatigue and other deficiency symptoms.

How fast do symptoms improve?

Improvement depends on the cause. Infections may resolve in days, while chronic conditions like IBD often require ongoing treatment for lasting relief.

Do diet changes really help?

Absolutely. Tailored diets-such as low-fat, high-fiber, or low-FODMAP-can reduce symptoms, normalize stool consistency, and support gut health.

How do I find a specialist near Katy?

Call GastroDoxs in Katy to schedule an appointment. Our local gastroenterologist will provide personalized testing and treatment for your fecal abnormalities.

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