Steatorrhea

Steatorrhea is a condition in which there is an excessive amount of fat in the feces. This occurs when the body is unable to absorb fat into the bloodstream, resulting in the fat passing through the digestive system and coming out in the stool. Steatorrhea can be caused by a variety of conditions and diseases, including pancreatic insufficiency, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, and bile acid malabsorption. It can also be a side effect of some medications and can be caused by a poor diet. The main symptom of steatorrhea is very greasy, foul-smelling stools that are difficult to flush. The stools may also float and be difficult to flush, and they may contain undigested food particles. They may also be lighter in color than normal. If you experience symptoms of steatorrhea, it is important to visit your doctor to determine the underlying cause and to get appropriate treatment. Treatment for steatorrhea may include dietary changes, medications, and/or surgery, depending on the underlying cause.