In people with chronic pancreatitis, the pancreas may not function normally, leading to difficulty processing fat in the diet (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency). This can cause loose, greasy, foul-smelling stools that are difficult to flush.
Oily or Greasy Stools
The consistency changes could be caused by an infection, nutrients not being digested due to celiac disease or a problem with the pancreas, such as pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis.
The most common symptom of chronic pancreatitis is repeated episodes of abdominal (tummy) pain, which can be severe. Other symptoms tend to develop as the damage to the pancreas progresses, such as producing greasy, foul-smelling stools.
Lack of enzymes due to pancreatic damage results in poor digestion and absorption of food, especially fats. Thus, weight loss is characteristic of chronic pancreatitis. Patients may notice bulky smelly bowel movements due to too much fat (steatorrhea). Occasionally, an "oil slick" can be seen on the toilet water.
Tests and procedures used to diagnose pancreatitis include: Blood tests to look for elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes, along with white blood cells, kidney function and liver enzymes. Abdominal ultrasound to look for gallstones and pancreas inflammation.
EPI causes problems in how your body digests food. Your pancreas does not make adequate amounts of the enzymes that your body needs to break down starches, proteins, fats…and even some vitamins from foods you eat. You may lose weight, have abnormal stools, and have pain in your belly.
In people with chronic pancreatitis, the pancreas may not function normally, leading to difficulty processing fat in the diet (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency). This can cause loose, greasy, foul-smelling stools that are difficult to flush.
Chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, a blockage in the pancreatic duct, or cystic fibrosis can also turn your stool yellow. These conditions prevent your pancreas from providing enough of the enzymes your intestines need to digest food.
The clinical manifestations of acute pancreatitis are generally limited to epigastric or right upper quadrant pain, while manifestations of chronic pancreatitis are broader and may include abdominal pain in tandem with signs and symptoms of pancreatic endocrine and exocrine insufficiency.
A couple of acute abdominal conditions that can mimic pancreatitis include: impacted gallstones (biliary colic) gastric perforation or duodenal ulcer.
Speaking with a doctor or healthcare provider is highly recommended if you're noticing excess oil or fat in your stool, especially if you're experiencing any additional symptoms such as foul-smelling stool, floating stools, diarrhea, weight loss, or severe abdominal pain.
If you notice that your stool floats and appears greasy, pale, and abnormally foul smelling, you should talk with your doctor. This is especially true if you have other symptoms of malabsorption, such as weight loss or cramps.
In most cases, symptoms will disappear after 24–72 hours, but they may sometimes last for up to 90 hours.
Pale Poop and Dark Pee
If your liver doesn't make bile normally or if the flow from the liver is blocked, your poop will look pale like the color of clay. Pale poop often happens along with yellow skin (jaundice). The extra bilirubin that makes your skin look yellow also can make your pee unusually dark.
Can you test for pancreatitis at home? No, you cannot test for pancreatitis at home. While there are rapid urine tests available that don't require any lab processing, these must be performed by a healthcare provider.
A stool elastase test is used to find out if there is pancreatic insufficiency. This test is better at finding severe pancreatic insufficiency, rather than mild or moderate cases. Pancreatic insufficiency can sometimes be a sign of pancreatic cancer, but this test is not used to screen for or diagnose cancer.
Pancreatitis and IBS are often mistaken for one another, or they can occur concurrently, so talk to a GI specialist to get to the bottom of your digestive issues.
It's been described as a burning or shooting pain that comes and goes, but may last for several hours or days. Although the pain sometimes comes on after eating a meal, there's often no trigger. Some people might feel sick and vomit. As the condition progresses, the painful episodes may become more frequent and severe.
There are a variety of disorders of the pancreas including acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, hereditary pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer.
Mild acute pancreatitis usually goes away in a few days with rest and treatment. If your pancreatitis is more severe, your treatment may also include: Surgery. Your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the gallbladder, called cholecystectomy, if gallstones cause your pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis is the redness and swelling (inflammation) of the pancreas. It may be sudden (acute) or ongoing (chronic). The most common causes are alcohol abuse and lumps of solid material (gallstones) in the gallbladder. The goal for treatment is to rest the pancreas and let it heal.
Signs and Symptoms
Almost everyone with acute pancreatitis has severe and constant abdominal pain in the upper abdomen, below the sternum. The pain penetrates to the back in about 50% of people. With gallstones, the pain usually starts suddenly and reaches its maximum intensity in minutes.