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What is Steatorrhea?

H. Colledge
H. Colledge

Steatorrhea is a condition where a substantial amount of fat is found in the feces. The presence of excess fat in feces means that malabsorption is occurring, where food is not properly absorbed from the gut. Typically, the stools float and are bulky, foul-smelling and pale in color. Droplets of oil may be visible, remaining apparent even after the toilet has been flushed, leaving a greasy deposit around the bowl. Steatorrhea is indicative of certain diseases, such as chronic pancreatitis or celiac disease, and is often associated with anemia.

If this condition occurs together with digestive problems and pain in the abdomen, this can signify chronic pancreatitis. In this disease, often caused by excessive alcohol consumption, the pancreas is inflamed over a long period of time, leading to tissue damage and subsequent scarring. The pancreas makes enzymes involved in digesting food, so its damage means fewer enzymes are produced. Since pancreatic enzymes are particularly responsible for digestion of fat, fewer enzymes means less fat is digested. Fat tends to remain in the stools, making them paler, more foul-smelling than usual and difficult to remove by flushing.

Steatorrhea may be accompanied by abdominal pain.
Steatorrhea may be accompanied by abdominal pain.

Over time, malabsorption leads to weight loss and fatigue, and since the pancreas also makes insulin, lack of this may lead to diabetes. Treatment involves abstinence from alcohol, pain relief, and medication to replace missing pancreatic enzymes with artificial versions. Occasionally, if there is severe pain unrelieved by medication, surgery may be required to remove part of the pancreas.

Steatorrhea may occur in celiac disease.
Steatorrhea may occur in celiac disease.

Steatorrhea may also occur in celiac disease, an autoimmune disease where the body attacks itself while making antibodies against gluten. This causes inflammation of the gut, damaging the lining so it is less able to absorb food. Poor absorption of vitamins and food causes this condition, anemia, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The disease can occur at any age and may be diagnosed with a blood test. Treatment involves following a gluten-free diet.

Steatorrhea may occur in cystic fibrosis.
Steatorrhea may occur in cystic fibrosis.

Infection by a parasite known as giardia can also give rise to steatorrhea. In areas of the world where giardia is common, it infects the intestines of people who drink contaminated water or eat food washed in that water. The infection interferes with food absorption in the gut so that excess fat and vitamins are lost in the stools, causing steatorrhea. In chronic cases, diarrhea is present over several weeks and, if left untreated, the disease can go on for months. It is generally treated with a combination of rehydration and antibiotics.

There are other important diseases where steatorrhea can occur. One example is cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder mainly affecting the lungs and pancreas, and cancers of the liver and pancreas. Treatment varies depending on the specific illness.

Discussion Comments

Terrificli

@Vincenzo -- your post hints at something very important about steatorrhea. A lot of people have to deal with this but the condition is usually temporary. If the condition goes away in a few days, there is probably nothing to worry about (notice the qualifier "probably" as that is important).

If it lasts for a week or more, it may be indicative of a more serious, underlying problem. When the condition does linger, that is the time to consult a doctor and fine out what, exactly, is happening.

Vincenzo

This condition also occurs fairly regularly for those suffering from ulcerative colitis. Someone with ulcerative colitis experiencing steatorrhea may well be having a flare up. That, of course, is when colitis symptoms are acting up and the colon is inflamed or swelling. If an ulcerative colitis patient is suffering from steatorrhea it might be a good idea to call the specialist and see how to get the flare back under control.

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    • Steatorrhea may be accompanied by abdominal pain.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Steatorrhea may be accompanied by abdominal pain.
    • Steatorrhea may occur in celiac disease.
      By: joshya
      Steatorrhea may occur in celiac disease.
    • Steatorrhea may occur in cystic fibrosis.
      By: joshya
      Steatorrhea may occur in cystic fibrosis.
    • The giardia parasite can give rise to steatorrhea.
      By: Iqbal Osman
      The giardia parasite can give rise to steatorrhea.
    • Steatorrhea that occurs with digestive problems may signify chronic pancreatitis.
      By: acherst
      Steatorrhea that occurs with digestive problems may signify chronic pancreatitis.
    • Malabsorption due to steatorrhea may cause weight loss and fatigue.
      By: kmiragaya
      Malabsorption due to steatorrhea may cause weight loss and fatigue.