Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek urgent or emergency care for:
Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
Vomiting blood
Red blood in the stool or black, tar-like stool
Fainting, confusion, or marked weakness
Inability to keep fluids down with signs of dehydration
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek same-day medical advice if floating or pale stools occur with yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, fever, repeated vomiting, or significant abdominal pain.
These symptoms can occur when the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, or pancreas need prompt assessment.
Black stool can also result from iron or certain medicines, but unexplained black, sticky stool should be assessed promptly.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if floating stools continue for more than a couple of weeks, keep returning, or come with greasy stools, ongoing diarrhoea, bloating, or abdominal discomfort.
You should also arrange an assessment if you are losing weight without trying or have signs of poor nutrition, such as unusual tiredness or weakness.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Stools – floating. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.