Steatorrhea
Type: Symptom
Definition
The excretion of abnormal quantities of fat with the feces due to reduced absorption.
Clinical Details
Because the parasites interfere heavily with the absorption of dietary lipids in the upper small intestine, undigested fats are passed into the colon. This results in stools that are pale, greasy, highly malodorous, and tend to float in the toilet bowl. It is a hallmark sign of Giardia-induced malabsorption.