Steatorrhea
Steatorrhea
Steatorrhea (/stiːəˈriːə/ stee-ə-REE-ə) is a medical condition characterized by the excessive excretion of fat in feces.
Etymology
The term "steatorrhea" is derived from the Greek words "stear" which means fat, and "rhea" which means flow.
Definition
Steatorrhea is a condition that is typically associated with malabsorption syndromes, where the body is unable to absorb certain nutrients from the diet. This results in the excessive excretion of fat in the feces, which can lead to a range of symptoms including oily or greasy stools, foul-smelling stools, and weight loss.
Causes
Steatorrhea can be caused by a variety of conditions, including pancreatic insufficiency, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and cystic fibrosis. It can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as orlistat, a drug used to treat obesity.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of steatorrhea typically involves a stool test to measure the amount of fat in the feces. Other tests may be performed to determine the underlying cause of the condition, such as blood tests, imaging studies, or endoscopy.
Treatment
Treatment for steatorrhea depends on the underlying cause. This may involve dietary changes, such as a low-fat diet, or medications to help the body absorb nutrients more effectively. In some cases, treatment may also involve managing the symptoms of the condition, such as taking supplements to replace nutrients that the body is unable to absorb.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Steatorrhea
- Wikipedia's article - Steatorrhea
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