What is steatorrhea?

Steatorrhea is a medical condition characterized by the presence of excessive amounts of fat in the stool. It is often associated with malabsorption, a condition in which the body is unable to properly absorb nutrients from food. Steatorrhea can be caused by a variety of underlying medical conditions, including:

- Pancreatic insufficiency: The pancreas is an organ that produces enzymes that help digest fats. If the pancreas is not producing enough of these enzymes, it can lead to steatorrhea.

- Celiac disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that damages the small intestine and can lead to malabsorption of fats and other nutrients.

- Crohn's disease: Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to malabsorption of fats and other nutrients.

- Whipple's disease: Whipple's disease is a rare bacterial infection that can affect the small intestine and can lead to malabsorption of fats and other nutrients.

Steatorrhea can also be caused by certain medications, such as laxatives and antacids.

Symptoms of steatorrhea can include:

- Greasy, bulky, and foul-smelling stools

- Abdominal pain and bloating

- Nausea and vomiting

- Weight loss

- Fatigue

Treatment for steatorrhea typically involves treating the underlying medical condition that is causing it. In some cases, medications or dietary changes may be necessary to help manage the symptoms of steatorrhea.