Steatorrhea

Steatorrhea (Floating Poop) Definition

Steatorrhea occurs in stools where the fat content is unusually high. Because fat floats in water, the stool with high percentage of fat also floats in the water. The stool is usually frothy and foul-smelling.

Steatorrhea Causes

Steatorrhea is common in digestive and absorptive disorders.

• Steatorrhea in Digestive disorders - affects the production and release of the enzyme lipase from the pancreas, or bile from the liver, which are substances that aid digestion of fats.
• Steatorrhea in Absorption disorders - cause abnormal absorption which may result in fat not being digested and excreted in stool

Steatorrhea Symptoms

Steatorrhea can be identified by a number of symptoms:

• Foul-smelling stools
• Bulky stool
• Pale stools
• Red and bloody stools
• Loose stools
• Greasy stools

Steatorrhea Diagnosis

Testing for the root problem causing floating stools is difficult because there are many different digestive problems can cause steatorrhea. Typical tests are

• Physical examination
• Abdominal X-rays
• Ultrasound
• MRI
• CT scan
• ERCP

Steatorrhea Treatment

Once the cause of the floating stools is diagnosed, dietary and medical options can be determined by the doctor. Here are some common causes are treatments for floating poop. Floating stools due to chronic pancreatitis are sometimes treated by digestive enzymes that can help in the digestions of fat.