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Fatty chair causes and therapy
contents
fatty stools
definition
Greasy bowel movement
Possible causes of fat stool
Celiac
Diseases of the pancreas
pancreatitis
pancreatic cancer
Gallstones and inflammation of the bile ducts
Other causes of greasy bowel movements
diagnosis
Therapy in a fatty chair
Treatment for gluten intolerances
Treatment of pancreatic diseases
Gallstones and bile duct inflammation
Treatment of fat digestive disorders
Naturopathy in a fatty chair
definition
As a fatty stool in the professional world a pathologically (pathologically) increased fat content of bowel movements is called. The stool contains a high proportion of dietary fats, as these are only insufficiently absorbed in the digestive tract. The stool appears brightly colored, sticky, voluminous, frothy and shiny, accompanied by a particularly pungent odor. From a loss of fat of ten grams daily on the bowel movement is, as defined by pathological fat-stating the speech.
Greasy bowel movement
The symptoms of the fatty stool are primarily characterized by the excretion of particularly fatty feces. This often smeared conspicuously in the toilet bowl. The oily bowel movements are often accompanied by indigestion, abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea and other symptoms that depend on the causes of the fatty stools. Not infrequently, apart from impaired fat digestion, there is also a problem with protein digestion, which can lead to further complaints. The fat stool is symptom of inadequate utilization of the fats absorbed through the diet. The emulsion of dietary fats formed in the stomach and intestine (in this case the bile juice produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder plays an essential role) can not be adequately processed by the so-called lipases (special enzymes) of the intestine and the pancreas, which leads to excretion of the Dietary fat on the bowel movement has the consequence.
Oily bowel movements are often accompanied by indigestion such as abdominal pain or flatulence. (Image: Stephanie Hofschlaeger) Possible causes of fat stool
In general, a malabsorption or inadequate intake of dietary fats through the intestinal wall into the lymph and bloodstream is the cause of the fatty stool. This malabsorption can in turn be triggered by a variety of diseases ranging from rather harmless food intolerances to pancreatic carcinoma (pancreatic cancer).
Celiac
One of the possible causes of greasy bowel movements is the so-called celiac disease (gluten intolerance), which - due to hypersensitivity to components of gluten - causes inflammation of the small intestinal mucosa. The associated damage to the intestinal tissue can bring a significant impairment of the processing of nutrients with it. The dietary fats are no longer sufficiently absorbed and remain undigested in the digestive tract. Celiac disease is often associated with loss of appetite, diarrhea, chronic fatigue, nausea, and vomiting as concomitant symptoms. Affected children often suffer from impairments in physical development (too little weight gain and reduced length growth), while adults often have nonspecific symptoms such as general weakness, nervousness, tooth damage or skin problems.
Diseases of the pancreas
The pancreas makes a significant contribution to fat digestion by providing the necessary enzymes. If the function of the organ is impaired, too little digestive enzymes are produced and the fat digestion can not take place to the required extent. This is the case, for example, in so-called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. The cause of pancreatic insufficiency can be acute, chronic and hereditary diseases of the organ. The too low production of enzymes brings on the one hand considerable disturbances of the digestion and on the other hand under certain circumstances damages of the intestinal mucous membrane with itself. The so-called intestinal villi experience a significant tissue loss, inflammation is favored and the enzyme activity on the intestinal mucosa is impaired. In addition to the increased fat content of the stool, sufferers often show progressive weight loss in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
pancreatitis
The occurrence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is relatively often triggered by pancreatitis. However, this inflammation of the organ not only leads in the long term to significant impairment of the pancreatic function, but may also cause in the acute stage, a reduced release of digestive enzymes. Typical concomitant symptoms here are in addition to the greasy stool, acute abdominal pain that can radiate in the belt area to the back. A particularly striking feature of pancreatitis is hematoma (hemorrhage) in the flank area. Furthermore, sufferers often suffer from nonspecific symptoms such as constipation, fever, nausea and vomiting.
pancreatic cancer
In the worst case, the functional impairment of the pancreas and the associated fatty stool caused by pancreatic cancer. It can be distinguished between tumors in the area of the exocrine (digestive secretions are released directly into the duodenum via the ducts) and the endocrine (release of hormones into the blood) glandular cells. A large part of the pancreatic tumors affects the exocrine glandular tissue and in particular the so-called pancreatic head. In addition to the fatty stool, pancreatic cancer usually has a continuously worsening jaundice. Non-specific symptoms such as abdominal pain and significant weight loss are also common in pancreatic cancer.
Gallstones and inflammation of the bile ducts
Since sufficient digestion of bile juice is required for fat digestion, occlusion of the bile ducts through a gallstone can also interfere with the processing of dietary fats and fat in the stool. The formation of gallstones is sometimes without further symptoms, but may also be associated with symptoms such as severe pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, nausea and vomiting and persistent loss of appetite. Those affected may develop jaundice and show elevated liver enzymes.
Also, inflammation of the bile ducts can cause impairments of bile juice distribution and thus cause an increased fat content of bowel movements. Acute inflammation of the bile ducts is often caused by bacterial infections. Typical symptoms besides the fatty stool are unilateral pain in the right upper abdomen, fever (possibly with chills) and jaundice. If there is severe suppurative bile duct inflammation, shock conditions, impairment of renal function and disturbances of the central nervous system are also threatened.
Other causes of greasy bowel movements
After the surgical removal of parts of the small intestine, the fat digestion may be so impaired that undigested dietary fats are eliminated with the bowel movement. Location and length of the removed small intestine section have a significant influence on the fat content of the stool. In addition to the fatty stool suffer sufferers often suffer from severe diarrhea and a shortage of water and nutrients, which promotes appropriate deficiency diseases. The removal of larger small intestine section usually also results in a significant weight loss.
The possible triggers of increased fat content of the stool also include the side effect of certain medicines. In particular, the drug treatment of overweight with orlistat here often fat stool result. The active ingredient inhibits the fat-degrading enzymes, which may under certain circumstances the absorbed dietary fats can not be sufficiently processed. Fatty bowel movements can be caused by orlistat, for example, by special antibiotics.
diagnosis
In the diagnosis, the appearance and the fat content of the bowel movements should be checked in addition to a detailed survey of the patient to the symptoms, his diet, existing pre-existing diseases, etc., first as part of a stool examination. If this is significantly increased, the search for the possible causes begins. Here, according to the possible underlying diseases numerous different diagnostic procedures are used.
For example, if gluten intolerance is suspected, a blood test for detectable antibodies (so-called serological tests) is carried out, by means of which the disease can usually be determined relatively clearly. In addition, the removal of tissue samples of the small intestine or the duodenum is provided to confirm the diagnosis of gluten intolerance.
To check for possibly existing exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, the most reliable diagnosis is the so-called secretin-pancreozymin test, in which the secretion of the pancreatic enzymes is measured by means of a probe in the duodenum. However, the method is relatively complex and rather unsuitable for a quick diagnosis. This can help stool examinations, in which the excretion of fats (in pancreas diseases increased) or pancreatic enzymes (in pancreas diseases reduced) is analyzed by the bowel movement. To arrive at a meaningful result, the stool examinations are repeated several times. However, if there are doubts about the result, there is no way to pass a secretin pancreozymin test.
Even with pancreatitis usually occurs a significantly reduced concentration of pancreatic enzymes in bowel movements, so that a stool examination may provide initial evidence of inflammation of the organ. In addition, in chronic pancreatitis, elevated levels of specific pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase) in the blood can be detected. In addition, ultrasound and X-ray examinations, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to detect pancreatic calcifications, which are a typical sign of pancreatitis.
In the case of pancreatic carcinoma, the tumors can usually be diagnosed relatively clearly with the aid of ultrasound examinations, CT and MRI. If a clear diagnosis is not possible on the basis of these procedures, a so-called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be used, in which contrast agents can be injected directly into the bile ducts using an endoscope for a special X-ray examination. This study may also provide evidence of occlusion of the bile ducts by gallstones or bile duct inflammation. In addition, in a pancreatic cancer disease certain tumor markers often appear in the blood serum, which can be detected in the context of a corresponding blood test.
In addition to the diagnostic methods mentioned in general offers a physical examination with palpation, tapping and listening to the chest and abdomen area to derive first clues to the causes of the fatty stool.
Therapy in a fatty chair
Most diseases that can cause increased fat content of bowel movements require urgent medical attention. This applies in particular to the diseases of the pancreas, the bile ducts and the intestine. But even with a gluten intolerance or drug intolerances, a doctor should be turned on. Which treatment approaches enable a successful therapy of the fatty stool depends on the respective causes of fatty stool.
Treatment for gluten intolerances
The treatment of gluten intolerance is based primarily on a lifelong gluten-free diet. By avoiding gluten, the intestinal mucosa can gradually recover and the risk of long-term health impairments can be significantly reduced. As part of the diet, a substitution of the cereals with high gluten content, such as wheat, barley, rye, spelled, etc., by gluten-free cereals such as millet, rice, corn, buckwheat or soybeans. For processed foods and finished products, make sure that no gluten-containing ingredients are included. Due to the extensive damage to the mucous membrane, many patients with gluten intolerance also have a negative effect on milk sugar digestion, which is why the diet initially also temporarily provides a low-milk diet in which milk and milk products are replaced by soy milk. If the diet is strictly followed, the fat stool should disappear after a relatively short time. If sufferers continue to suffer from greasy bowel movements, gluten intolerance may not have been the sole cause of the symptoms.
Treatment of pancreatic diseases
If a greasy, pale bowel movement is caused by a pancreatic disease, medical treatment should be given promptly, since there are potentially life-threatening consequences. The treatment of pancreatic insufficiency usually takes place on the basis of medicaments containing the digestive enzymes of the pancreas with the active ingredient pancreatin. The required enzymes are prepared in the drugs so that they can withstand the gastric acid and develop their effect only in the small intestine. Also, with a hypofunction of the pancreas, a high-carbohydrate diet with several small meals a day is recommended. The fat content of the food should not exceed 70 grams per day.
In the case of inflammation of the pancreas, an immediate intravenous fluid administration is provided as a medical emergency measure to prevent the acute risk of a volume shortage shock. Since sufferers usually suffer from considerable pain during pancreatitis, pain therapy is also of particular importance here, with so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or active substances such as butylscopolamine, tramadol, buprenorphine and pethidine being used more frequently as painkillers. Otherwise, as part of the therapy, a balance of altered blood values with the help of infusions. If there is a suspicion of a bacterial infection as a cause of pancreatitis, antibiotics may also be used. Gallstones are the trigger of the complaints, they can be eliminated with the help of the ERCP. For complications such as bleeding, infection or cysts, surgery to remove dead tissue or cysts is often the last option. Since pancreatitis is often associated with excessive alcohol consumption, alcohol abstinence is an essential part of the therapy.
The treatment of pancreatic cancer usually provides for surgical removal of the tumors. However, many ulcers can not be eliminated in this way, so that patients undergo chemotherapy. Accompanying the so-called mistletoe therapy is also frequently used in conventional medicine, which on the one hand to alleviate the discomfort in the patient and on the other hand, the chances of recovery should significantly improve. Other surgical interventions may also be used to alleviate symptoms. For example, a so-called stent can be implanted in the bile ducts to ensure patency. Also, artificial connections between the obstructed bile duct and the intestine can be made in the course of surgery. However, such measures can not defeat the cancer, but only affect the patient's symptoms.
Gallstones and bile duct inflammation
As gallstones cause fat loss and other health conditions, they should be eliminated urgently. Here, the most gentle treatment approach is the dissolution of the gallstones by means of so-called ursodeoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acid. A method that is promising only for gallstones of pure cholesterol. Also, the gallstones must not exceed a certain size (five millimeters), so that a drug dissolution is possible. In acute or chronic inflammation of the gallbladder or biliary tract, a medicinal lysis of gallstones is generally excluded. The same applies to gallbladder carcinomas, liver inflammation, pancreatitis and pregnancies. Since Chenodeoxycholic often leads to significant side effects, nowadays almost without side effects Ursodeoxycholic acid is used. Overall, the lysis of gallstones offers some advantages over other treatment methods, as in the course of therapy, the functioning of the gallbladder can usually be maintained, there are no operational risks and patients remain able to work during treatment. In addition to the medicinal lysis of gallstones, a mechanical resolution can be carried out with the help of extracorporeal shockwave lithotrypsy, in which the stones are shattered with shock waves.
However, new gallstones are relatively common in both the drug and mechanical dissolution of gallstones after treatment. In addition, these methods can be used only to a limited extent, so that possibly a cholecystectomy (surgical removal of the gallbladder) is required. Most of these are done today with the help of a minimally invasive procedure called laparoscopic surgery. Overall, complications are extremely rare in such procedures and the gall bladder stones can thus definitely be eliminated. To remove the gallstones from the bile ducts, the already explained ERCP is also suitable. If the bile ducts are inflamed, endoscopic treatment (ERCP) can also be performed to restore bile flow. Accompanying a bile duct infection is treated in most cases with antibiotics. If these treatment methods have no effect, only one liver transplant remains as a last resort for patients with end-stage disease.
Treatment of fat digestive disorders
If fat digestive disorders are the cause of greasy bowel movements after bowel surgery, those affected must also follow a special diet. Carbohydrate-rich foods and a 50-75 percent share of medium-chain fatty acids in the triglycerides are recommended here. The conversion of the diet should be done before the actual intestinal surgery, even to compensate for existing deficiency diseases. If in doubt, the patients are supplied with liquid food or tube feed. Following the operation, the digestive tract begins to adjust to the shortened intestinal length. In order to get the maximum of the remaining uptake capacity of the intestine, this should be constantly busy with the processing of food. This is also the reason that enteral nutrition is usually started with a nasogastric tube immediately after the operation. Up to a year, the transformation processes of the digestive tract may take place after the operation, before the intestine has functionally and structurally adjusted to the new conditions.
A fatty stool after bowel surgery usually requires personalized nutritional therapy. If the patients already show signs of a deficiency disease, an artificial diet may be necessary. In the worst case, those affected must be provided with nutrients parenterally (via the bloodstream) for a certain period of time. To prevent deficiency diseases, regular checks of the electrolyte, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, folic acid and zinc levels are planned. Also, the blood level of vitamin B12 should be continuously monitored and, if necessary, compensated by additional administration. Overall, the adherence to a strict diet is not spared by most patients with the so-called short bowel syndrome after a bowel operation, whereby the nutritional therapy is to be adapted to the individual symptoms of the patients.
Naturopathy in a fatty chair
Although most conventional oily bowel movements can be treated without conventional treatment, naturopathy offers many options to support successful therapy. Thus, in diseases of the pancreas various natural remedies can be used, which bring about an alleviation of the symptoms and contribute to the general strengthening of the organ. For example, ear acupuncture, Bach flower therapies or foot reflexology treatments help stimulate the self-healing powers of the pancreas. Homeopathy also offers various preparations to improve the pancreatic function. The utilization of food in the digestive tract can also be influenced by various spices, which - such as anise, cloves, ginger and cardamom - cause an increased production of digestive juices.
Basil, thyme, juniper, rosemary, oregano and marjoram are said to have a digestive effect that can help prevent the fatty stools. Various herbal teas also show a positive effect here. In addition, herbal medicine knows numerous bitter medicinal herbs such as gentian, wormwood and rhubarb root, which are taken as tea or in the recipe according to Maria Treben combined with other medicinal plants (as so-called Swedish bitter). In this way, the medicinal plants should bring about an increased production of gastric acid, bile and pancreatic enzymes, which contributes to the improvement of digestion. The nutritional therapy is generally given special importance in the naturopathic treatment of the possible underlying disease of the fatty stool. In fact, the symptoms of a strict diet can be avoided after a relatively short time. Here, not only the right choice of food has a significant share in the success of the therapy, but also the type of intake or the eating behavior. So-called "Fletschern" - special chewing technique, in which the food as long as possible dwells in the mouth - offer here a good way to significantly improve the pre-digestion of the food in the mouth and to facilitate the digestive tract so his work. Also, it is advised to abstain from drink during the meal because the liquid mixes with the formed digestive juices and thus reduces their effect. (Fp)
