steatorrheás

Steatorrhea is a medical condition characterized by the presence of excessive fat in the feces. This results in stools that are typically pale, bulky, foul-smelling, and greasy, often floating in the toilet bowl due to their high fat content. The appearance of steatorrhea is a symptom of underlying malabsorption, meaning the body is not properly absorbing fats from the food consumed.

Several conditions can lead to steatorrhea. Pancreatic insufficiency, where the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes, is a common cause. This can occur in conditions like chronic pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis. Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, damages the small intestine's lining, impairing nutrient absorption, including fats. Other malabsorptive conditions such as Crohn's disease, short bowel syndrome, or certain infections can also contribute. Bile acid deficiency, often seen in liver disease or after gallbladder removal, can also interfere with fat digestion and absorption.

Diagnosing steatorrhea usually involves a stool test to quantify the amount of fat. Further investigations are then conducted to identify the underlying cause, which may include blood tests, imaging studies, or endoscopic procedures. Treatment focuses on addressing the root cause and may involve enzyme replacement therapy, dietary modifications, or managing specific gastrointestinal diseases.