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Steatorrhea or steatorrhoea is the presence of excess fat in feces. Stools may be bulky and difficult to flush, have a pale and oily appearance and can be especially foul-smelling. An oily anal leakage or some level of fecal incontinence may occur.
There is increased fat excretion, which can be measured by determining the fecal fat level. The definition of how much fecal fat constitutes steatorrhea has not been standardized. However, by one estimate, fecal fat loss of more than 7g per 24 hours is considered steatorrhoea.
The typical signs and symptoms of steatorrhea include but not limited to diarrhea as more fluid is drawn to the intestinal lumen, weight loss and fatigue because a major source of energy cannot be utilized.
Flatulence as the bacteria act upon the undigested food creating gases such as methane and hydrogen, as well as edema from the associated protein loss (severe enough may cause ascites or fluid in the abdomen).
If you have steatorrhea, your stools will be:
Too much fat in your stool suggests your digestive system isn’t breaking down or absorbing the fat adequately.
Fatty stool is also a symptom of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). EPI is a condition where your pancreas doesn’t make or release enough of the enzymes needed to help your digestive system break down food and absorb nutrients.
Also, Steatorrhea is a common complication as a result of a mechanical block in the biliary tract or by intrahepatic lesions. When bile salt entry into the duodenum is hindered, the emulsification of dietary fats is incomplete.
The treatment for steatorrhea depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. Mild cases of steatorrhea can often be successfully treated at home with rest and basic care.
Following certain dietary guidelines may also help reduce the risk of fatty stool.
Home remedies for treating and preventing steatorrhea include:
Severe or chronic cases of steatorrhea will normally need medical intervention. People with steatorrhea because of an underlying medical condition will also usually need medical treatment.
Medications used to treat and prevent steatorrhea include:
Where to get help
Pale, greasy, foul-smelling stools that float or are hard to flush, especially with weight loss, should be checked. The cause, often in the pancreas, the small bowel or the flow of bile, is found with stool tests and scans before treatment.
Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology), is a surgical gastroenterologist. He sees stomach, bowel, liver and pancreas problems and operates at Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad when surgery is needed.
Related: Pancreatitis treatment · Lactose intolerance · Gluten-free diet · Surgery for long-standing pancreatitis in Ahmedabad
OPD: Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Dr Jivraj Mehta Marg, Vasna, Ahmedabad 380007. Call to book. Bring your old reports; second opinions are welcome.
Last updated: 4 October 2026
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