How is steatorrhea characterized?

Steatorrhea is characterized by the presence of large, pale, foul-smelling stools. This condition indicates that there is an abnormal amount of fat in the stool, which occurs when the digestive system does not properly absorb fats from the diet. The pale color results from undigested fat, and the foul smell is due to the fatty acids produced during the fermentation of undigested fat in the intestines. Recognizing these characteristics can help in diagnosing conditions related to malabsorption, such as pancreatitis or celiac disease.

In contrast, a consistent dark brown color would be typical of normal stool, jelly-like texture does not align with steatorrhea characteristics, and increased frequency of bowel movements pertains more to conditions like diarrhea rather than the specific traits of steatorrhea. Understanding these distinctions is important for clinical assessments and patient care.