Answered by SecondMedic Expert
General Physician · General Physician
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Diarrhea is defined as a condition in which there is an increased frequency and looseness of bowel movements, while steatorrhea is a condition characterized by the presence of excess fat in the stool.
The most common cause of steatorrhea is inadequate pancreatic enzyme secretion, which leads to the malabsorption of dietary fat. When dietary fat isn't properly absorbed, it stays in the intestine where bacteria can break it down into fatty acids and glycerol. These fatty acids and glycerol then combine with water to form droplets that give stool its greasy appearance.
