What is steatorrhea commonly associated with?

Steatorrhea is a condition characterized by the presence of excess fat in the stools, which results in stools that appear oily and have a pale color. This condition often indicates malabsorption, where the intestines are unable to properly absorb fats and other nutrients from the diet. Fatty stools are a hallmark sign of steatorrhea, making this option the most relevant.

While steatorrhea can occur in the context of diarrhea due to the rapid passage of stool through the intestines, the defining feature of steatorrhea is its oily appearance and the quantity of fat present, rather than just the frequency of bowel movements. Therefore, while diarrhea can accompany steatorrhea, it does not specifically define the condition itself. Normal stools typically do not contain excess fat, and constipation is characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements, which is not associated with the fatty composition seen in steatorrhea.