Diagnostics
In order to make the correct diagnosis in the presence of fatty stools, the medical history plays a decisive role. The treating physician may ask the following questions: How long has fatty stool been present? Are there any other symptoms?
What previous illnesses exist? Is there a chronic alcohol consumption? This is usually followed by a physical examination.
An inspection of the stool based on a stool sample may also be necessary. A blood test is also part of the routine. This can determine liver and pancreas values.Further possible examinations are then an abdominal ultrasound, an X-ray, a computer tomography or ERCP (examination of the bile ducts) as well as a gastroscopy with examination of a part of the small intestine.
In this procedure, samples (biopsies) are taken from the small intestine. Functional tests of the pancreas are also possible, but are not part of routine diagnostics. Fatty stools can be detected by the fact that the stool has more volume than usual.
The stool is also relatively bright and shiny. It smells very strong. Fatty stool is usually of a relatively light clay-colored brown color, the surface is shiny.
Associated symptoms
The accompanying symptoms that can occur with fatty stools vary depending on the cause. Upper abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness and reduced appetite can occur. Also an inflated abdomen and increased flatulence can occur.
Itching and yellowing of the skin are also possible. Furthermore, weight loss and heavy night sweating may occur. Which accompanying symptoms occur can be decisive for the diagnosis.
The next topic deals with another possible symptom of fatty stools. Flatulence can occur as an accompanying symptom of fatty stools. They can be an indication of the presence of a digestive disorder in the sense of a lack of absorption of food components into the bloodstream.
This can be the case if the clinical picture of celiac disease or celiac sprue is present. This is a gluten intolerance. Gluten is a cereal component.
As long as there is no gluten-free diet, recurring inflammation in the intestine occurs, the intestinal villi, which play a major role in the absorption of food components into the bloodstream, atrophy and digestion is considerably disturbed. Fatty stools, flatulence, abdominal pain with bloating and a feeling of fullness can occur. Diarrhea, in addition to fatty stools, can occur in some of the above-mentioned diseases. For example, pancreatic insufficiency or celiac disease. In general, a digestive disorder can lead to diarrhea.
