Question

Why can steatorrhea be observed in patients with pancreatic insufficiency and patients with ileal resection (removal)? (compare their causes and consequences)

Answer 1

Steatorrhea is a condition which leads to the production of fatty stool. When there is fat in the stool, it gives it a bulky floating and greasy appearance. Generally, this happens due to inability of the digestive system to absorb fat. When a person is suffering from pancreatic insufficient or ileal removal, they suffer from such condition. The fat absorption is dependent on proper functioning of the intestine as well as production of enzymes produced by pancreas which helps in breaking down the fat. When one is suffering from pancreatic insufficient, the pancreas is not able function well and not able to produce enough enzyme which can be used by the body to digest fat in the food. When the pancreas in not able to produce pancreatic lipase, it is not able to breakdown the fat and it remains undigested releasing through the stool. When the ileum is removed, it prevents or reduces fat absorption leading to the condition

Therefore, it tends to produce floating and greasy stool and at times it makes the stool bulkier. It might lead to indigestion leading to heartburn, abdominal pain, bloating and in severe cases even leads to malnutrition and dehydration.