Dorothy FarrarSteatorrhea (fatty stool)
Steatorrhea (fatty stool) is a pathologically increased fat content in the stool. There are many reasons for this. Fatty stools are an expression of disorders in fat digestion and can have a serious background.
What is steatorrhea (fatty stool)?
Steatorrhea (fatty stool) is characterized by a pathological increase in the fat content in the stool. The fatty stool is also referred to as pancreatic stool, among other things, because diseases of the pancreas are often the basis. The general cause is a fat indigestion disorder. This can be maldigestion (disturbance of molecular cleavage) or malabsorption (disturbance of fat absorption). Either too few fat-degrading enzymes (lipases) are produced or fat absorption via the small intestine is hindered by various disorders. If more than 10 grams of fat leaves the body daily via the stool, then it is called pathological steatorrhea.
Causes
There are many possible causes for the occurrence of steatorrhea. Many diseases of the intestine and mainly the small intestine can hinder the absorption of dietary fats. Thus, in the context of celiac disease, absorption disorders of the intestine occur. The excessive reaction of the immune system to gluten causes inflammation of the small intestine, which, in addition to fat absorption disorders, also reduces the overall absorption of nutrients.
Autoimmune reactions of the immune system to the intestine (Crohn’s disease) often lead to fatty stools. If the small intestine is relocated with pathological germs, it can also lead to fat absorption disorders. Since the fats are emulsified by the bile and thus absorbed, bile outflow disorders or the chemical modification of bile acids also lead to absorption disorders of fats.
Of course, after a shortening of the small intestine, the fat absorption capacity of the intestine is reduced. Therefore, the food must no longer be so high in fat. With certain weight-loss medications such as orlistat, the dietary effect is based on the reduced fat absorption of the intestine. Here, too, fat stools occur, which can be reduced by reduced fat intake in the diet.
Disorders of fat digestion are also caused by lack or absence of fat-degrading enzymes (lipases). Lipases are mainly produced by the pancreas. In diseases of the pancreas (pancreas) such as pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, fatty stools often occur.
Symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of steatorrhea (fatty stool):
Fatty stools manifest themselves in voluminous, clay-colored as well as foamy stools, which have a penetrating odor. In addition, there are unpleasant accompanying symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain or tendency to diarrhoea. Of course, steatorrhea is usually just a symptom of an underlying condition. Therefore, the fatty stools are often associated with other symptoms, which are typical for the underlying disease.
Often, steatorrhea is also associated with general malabsorption disorders, which ultimately provide the body with insufficient vitamins and minerals. For example, celiac disease leads to general growth and prosperity disorders of the child. Later, the risk of cancer is increased. In the case of bile drainage disorders, jaundice occurs in addition to the fatty stools, because the bile dye enters the blood.
At the same time, the chairs can completely discolor. These bile outflow disorders can be caused by gallstones, which clog the bile ducts, or in the context of pancreatic tumors with a displacing effect. Pancreatic diseases lead on the one hand to the displacement of the bile and pancreatic ducts and on the other hand to reduced enzyme production. It comes to colic and increasing excruciating abdominal pain, which pulls up to the back.
Diagnosis
Fatty stools can be detected by stool examinations. After that, the doctor faces the challenge of diagnosing the underlying disease. First, he will get some clues about the cause of steatorrhea through the medical history. Nutrition and pre-existing conditions as well as diseases in the family play a major role. Imaging techniques such as sonography, X-ray examinations, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging can be used to assess the condition of the organs.
Treatment and therapy
The treatment of steatorrhea depends on the underlying disease. Thus, acute fatty stools occur in connection with biliary colic. For example, if the bile duct is blocked by a gallstone, it can be surgically removed. In some cases, it makes sense to remove the gallbladder to avoid further colic. If there is a gluten intolerance or even celiac disease, it is important to consistently follow a gluten-free diet.
Pancreatitis needs immediate treatment because the digestive enzymes in the pancreas can potentially damage the pancreas as well. When a pancreatic carcinoma is detected, action must be taken quickly. If there are no Metastases yet, the pancreas may need to be removed. After that, a lifelong administration of the digestive enzymes and insulin is necessary for the regulation of the blood sugar level .
Once metastases have formed, pancreatic cancer is no longer curable. Drug treatments and the widening of the pancreatic and bile ducts with a stent should now be sought so that the bile and digestive enzymes can still reach the intestine unhindered. Autoimmune diseases of the intestine such as Crohn’s disease require immunosuppressive treatment with drugs.
Prevention
There is no direct prevention of fatty stools. In the course of life, diseases associated with fatty stools can always occur. However, the risk of developing certain diseases can be reduced by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.