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steatorrhea
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steatorrhea

pathology
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Quick Summary

Steatorrhea is a medical condition characterized by an excess of fat in the stools. This indicates a problem with fat malabsorption, meaning the body isn't properly absorbing dietary fats.12

This condition can arise from various gastrointestinal issues, including diseases affecting the pancreas, diffuse mucosal diseases, or after significant portions of the small intestine have been removed. Diagnosing steatorrhea typically involves analyzing stool samples to quantify fat content, especially when a normal fat intake is maintained.2

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. steatorrhea
  2. malabsorption test

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