Steatorrhea: Symptoms

What other symptoms might occur with steatorrhea?

Steatorrhea may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Conditions that affect the digestive tract may also involve other body systems.

Digestive tract symptoms that may occur along with steatorrhea

Steatorrhea may accompany other symptoms affecting the digestive tract including:

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Abdominal swelling, distension or bloating
• Abnormally foul-smelling stools
• Bloody stool (the blood may be red, black or tarry in texture)
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Pale feces

Other symptoms that may occur along with steatorrhea

Steatorrhea may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

• Cough
• Dark urine
• Frequent infections
• Itchy skin
• Unexplained weight loss
• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, steatorrhea may be a symptom of a life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:

• Bloody stool (blood may be red, black, or tarry in texture)
• Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness
• Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure, or palpitations
• High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Not producing any urine, or an infant who does not produce the usual amount of wet diapers
• Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or labored breathing
• Rigidity of the abdomen
• Severe abdominal pain or sharp pain that comes on suddenly