Steatorrhea

Steatorrhea is a condition characterized by the presence of excess fat in the stool, making it bulky, greasy, foul-smelling, and difficult to flush. It occurs when the intestines can't properly digest or absorb fats, often due to issues with the pancreas, liver, or intestines. Causes include pancreatitis, celiac disease, or malabsorption syndromes. Since fats carry essential nutrients and calories, steatorrhea can lead to nutritional deficiencies and weight loss. Proper diagnosis involves stool tests and addressing the underlying cause to restore normal fat digestion and absorption.