Oily stools, medically known as steatorrhea, often indicate issues with fat digestion or absorption within the intestines. This can result in fat being expelled during bowel movements, leading to stools that appear yellow or white. However, an orange oily stool might point to specific dietary factors or underlying health conditions.
Several health issues, including Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and pancreatitis, can trigger oily stools. These conditions are frequently accompanied by symptoms such as food intolerance, abdominal discomfort, gas, or alterations in weight or appetite.
If you observe white patches within your stool that have an oily appearance, or if your stool is white or orange, seeking medical attention for comprehensive evaluation is important. A healthcare provider might request a stool analysis, colonoscopy, or food intolerance tests to pinpoint the underlying cause and start suitable treatment.
Oily stool on toilet paper
What Foods and Conditions Cause Orange Oily Stool?
Oily stool can be a symptom of various factors:
1. Celiac Disease
Celiac disease impairs the body’s ability to produce or sufficiently produce the enzyme needed to break down gluten. Undigested gluten prompts an immune response, leading to intestinal lesions that hinder fat absorption and result in steatorrhea.
Besides oily stools, individuals with celiac disease might experience abdominal bloating, appetite loss, diarrhea, and pale stools.
What to do: Avoiding gluten-containing foods like bread, pasta, and certain alcoholic beverages is crucial. Consulting a registered dietitian for a tailored, gluten-free diet plan can help prevent nutritional deficiencies. Adhering to a celiac disease diet can aid in managing the condition effectively.
2. Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis, stemming from genetic mutations, leads to the overproduction of thick, viscous secretions that accumulate in organs, causing both respiratory and digestive problems.
Apart from oily stools, other digestive symptoms may include large, foul-smelling bowel movements, malnutrition, persistent diarrhea, constipation, or difficulty gaining weight.
What to do: Following the doctor-prescribed treatment plan is vital. This may involve medications to improve breathing and prevent infections. A balanced diet is also essential to combat malnutrition. Respiratory physiotherapy can assist with breathing difficulties.
3. Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease, a chronic intestinal condition characterized by inflammation of the intestinal lining, can disrupt fat absorption, resulting in oily stools, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and appetite loss.
What to do: Managing symptoms requires following the treatment plan outlined by a gastroenterologist and registered dietitian. This may involve medications, such as steroids and antibiotics, along with a low-fat, easily digestible diet.
4. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, can impede the production of enzymes responsible for breaking down and absorbing fat. This results in fat excretion through bowel movements, accompanied by upper abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss, and bloating.
What to do: Suspected pancreatitis requires medical evaluation and treatment to reduce pancreas swelling. Recommendations often include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and, in certain instances, digestive enzyme supplements. A light, healthy diet is advised to prevent future pancreatitis flare-ups.
5. Whipple Disease
Whipple disease is marked by small lesions in the intestines caused by Tropheryma whipplei bacteria. These lesions interfere with the absorption of vitamins, minerals, water, and fat, leading to oily stools, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
Early detection and treatment are crucial as the bacteria can spread to other body parts, including the brain.
What to do: Once diagnosed, Whipple disease is treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, often starting with ceftriaxone or penicillin, followed by sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim or doxycycline to eradicate the bacteria.
6. Giardiasis
Giardiasis, an infectious disease caused by Giardia lamblia parasites, can disrupt fat digestion, resulting in oily and yellowish stools. Diarrhea, general malaise, and abdominal bloating are also common symptoms.
What to do: Suspected giardiasis requires a doctor’s visit for a stool test. If confirmed, treatment with antimicrobials like metronidazole or tinidazole may be prescribed for 1 to 5 days.
7. Dietary Factors and Food Colorings
Certain foods, particularly those high in fat, can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to oily stools. Additionally, artificial food colorings, especially those containing orange or red dyes, can sometimes contribute to an orange discoloration of the stool. It’s essential to consider your recent dietary intake when evaluating the cause of orange oily stools.
8. After Gastrointestinal Surgery
Following gastrointestinal surgery, such as the removal of parts of the small intestine or stomach, temporary changes in fat absorption can occur, leading to fatty stools.
What to do: Oily stools following surgery are generally considered normal. However, persistent symptoms, blood in the stools, fever, or pain warrant medical follow-up.
Identifying Fat in Stools
Key characteristics of oily stools include large, foul-smelling bowel movements that appear shiny and float in the toilet water. Other related symptoms may include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Excessive diarrhea or an orange tint
- Rapid weight loss
- Bloating and cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
Experiencing these symptoms warrants a visit to the doctor to determine the underlying cause of fat in the stools. A confirmed diagnosis allows for the prescription of appropriate treatment.
A stool test can help quantify the amount of fat in your stools and determine the cause. To prepare for a stool test, consume foods rich in fat for three days prior to the test and collect a sample on the third day. The sample should be stored in a sterile container in the refrigerator until it is taken to the lab.
