Steatorrhea facts for kids

Steatorrhea means excess undigested fat in feces. In this case, the feces is often lighter, sometimes whitish, in color. It produces a fouler-than-usual, sour-rancid smell, and floats on the surface of the water as opposed to sinking to the bottom of the toilet bowl.

Steatorrhea is caused by the inability to digest and absorb fat in the diet. It may be helped in some cases by taking enzymes, such as those usually produced by the body, which digest fat.

Research should be done, and a doctor consulted if necessary, to determine the cause of the inability to digest and absorb fat.

The causes range from mild to very severe and life-threatenting, so simply treating symptoms may not be enough.

See also

In Spanish: Esteatorrea para niños